Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

The basic function of the [[Cervix - Anatomy & Physiology|cervix]] during pregnancy is to retain the foetus within the uterus and to maintain the internal environment of the uterus by preventing the external environment accessing the uterus. Therefore the cervix regulates the passage to and from the uterine cavity. This ensures that any micro-organisms within the external environment are unable to enter the uterus. During pregnancy the [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology|uterine body]] becomes distended whilst stretch resistant tissues allow the cervix to be maintained in a closed state.  For the foetus to move out of the uterus, the cervix must soften or 'ripen'.

The basic function of the [[Cervix - Anatomy & Physiology|cervix]] during pregnancy is to retain the foetus within the uterus and to maintain the internal environment of the uterus by preventing the external environment accessing the uterus. Therefore the cervix regulates the passage to and from the uterine cavity. This ensures that any micro-organisms within the external environment are unable to enter the uterus. During pregnancy the [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology|uterine body]] becomes distended whilst stretch resistant tissues allow the cervix to be maintained in a closed state.  For the foetus to move out of the uterus, the cervix must soften or 'ripen'.

It is thought that prostagladins together with relaxin may induce cervical softening by inducing collagen breakdown within the tissues and/or by altering the GAG/proteogylcan composition. Collagen breakdown within the tissue would facilitate a higher degree of movement and stretch in the tissue which is required for softening. Similarly, an increase in the GAG content of the tissues stimulated by prostaglandin would result in a decrease in collagen fibril agglutination therefore reducing the stretch-resistance of the remaining collagen.

It is thought that prostagladins together with relaxin may induce cervical softening by inducing collagen breakdown within the tissues and/or by altering the GAG/proteogylcan composition. Collagen breakdown within the tissue would facilitate a higher degree of movement and stretch in the tissue which is required for softening. Similarly, an increase in the GAG content of the tissues stimulated by prostaglandin would result in a decrease in collagen fibril agglutination therefore reducing the stretch-resistance of the remaining collagen.

 

[[Category:Parturition]][[Category:A&P Done]]

[[Category:Parturition]][[Category:A&P Done]]