Difference between revisions of "Cervix - Anatomy & Physiology"

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{{OpenPagesTop}}
|backcolour =EED2EE
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==Introduction==
|linkpage =Reproductive System - Anatomy & Physiology
 
|linktext =Reproductive System
 
|maplink = Reproductive System (Content Map) - Anatomy & Physiology
 
|pagetype =Anatomy
 
|sublink1=Reproductive System - Anatomy & Physiology#Female Reproductive Tract
 
|subtext1=FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT
 
}}
 
<br>
 
  
==Introduction==
+
The cervix can be palpated transrectally and forms a sphincter controlling access to the [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]].The anatomy of the cervical canal is adapted to suit a particular pattern of reproduction and its composition will alter under the influence of reproductive hormones. Not only does it respond to the fluctuation in oestrodiol during the [[Oestrous Cycle - Anatomy & Physiology|oestrous cycle]], but is responsive to prostaglandins and oxytocin in order to [[Cervical Softening - Anatomy & Physiology|'soften']] for [[:Category:Pregnancy and Parturition|parturition]].
  
 
==Structure==
 
==Structure==
  
* Thick-walled
+
* The lumen of the cervix is the cervical canal.
* Non-compliant (firm)
+
* The canal is formed by, and often almost occluded by mucosal folds.
* Mare and carnivores have a simple cervix bulging into the vagina to form a distinc recess (vaginal fornix).
 
* Lumen is the cervical canal
 
* Folds surround the lumen
 
 
** Single fold and smooth surface in the queen and bitch
 
** Single fold and smooth surface in the queen and bitch
** Multiple folds protruding into the cervical canal in the cow, ewe, sow and mare
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** Multiple folds protruding into the cervical canal in the cow, ewe, sow and mare.
 
+
* The cervical canal opens cranially into the body of the [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]] at the internal uterine ostium.
 +
* The cervical canal opens caudally into the [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology|vagina]] at the external uterine ostium.
  
 
=== Cow and Ewe ===
 
=== Cow and Ewe ===
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* Multiple folds
 
* Multiple folds
 
* Cervical rings form interlocking finger-like projections known as interdigitating prominences.
 
* Cervical rings form interlocking finger-like projections known as interdigitating prominences.
 +
* Elaborate system of folds and crypts to provide a site of storage where sperm are protected from the spermicidal environment of the vagina and [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]] in the ewe.
 +
* Allows semen to be ejaculated directly into the [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]] for rapid transport to the [[Oviduct - Anatomy & Physiology|oviducts]] in the cow.
  
 
=== Sow ===
 
=== Sow ===
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* Less mucous secretion
 
* Less mucous secretion
 
* Multiple folds
 
* Multiple folds
* Cervical folds form rings (cervical rings)
+
* Cervical folds form rings (cervical rings)  
 +
* Mounds or cushions known as pulvini interdigitate with each other to close the cervical canal.
 +
* Ensures a tight coupling of the [[Penis - Anatomy & Physiology|penis]] with the cervix to ensure that the large volume of semen produced by the boar is deposited in the [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]].
  
 
=== Mare ===
 
=== Mare ===
  
 +
* Simple cervix with the most caudal part bulging into the [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology|vagina]] to form a distinct recess (vaginal fornix).
 
* Low volume mucous secretion
 
* Low volume mucous secretion
 
* Multiple folds
 
* Multiple folds
* Many longitudinal folds of mucosa that protrude into the vagina (fornix vagina)
+
* Many longitudinal folds of mucosa that protrude into the [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology|vagina]] (fornix vagina)
 
* Soft during oestrus
 
* Soft during oestrus
  
 
=== Bitch ===
 
=== Bitch ===
  
 +
* Simple cervix with the most caudal part bulging into the [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology|vagina]] to form a distinct recess (vaginal fornix).
 
* Single fold
 
* Single fold
 
* Relatively smooth surface
 
* Relatively smooth surface
* A portion protrudes into the cranial vagina (fornix vagina).
 
  
 
=== Queen ===
 
=== Queen ===
  
 +
* External uterine ostium opens on a small hillock projecting into the [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology|vagina]].
 
* Small
 
* Small
* Thick walled compared to the uterus or vagina
+
* Thick walled compared to the [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]] or [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology|vagina]]
 
* Single fold
 
* Single fold
 
* Smooth surface
 
* Smooth surface
 +
 +
==Histology==
 +
 +
[[Image:Ewe Cervix.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Histological Section of the Cervix of a Ewe- from the [[Female Reproductive Tract Histology resource|Histology of the female reproductive tract PowerPoint]] ]]
 +
[[Image:Ewe Cervical Lumen.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Histological Section of the Cervical Lumen of a Ewe- from the [[Female Reproductive Tract Histology resource|Histology of the female reproductive tract PowerPoint]] ]]
 +
 +
 +
* The lumen of the cervix is lined by a simple columnar epithelium containing many mucus producing cells. Some cilia may be seen on these cells.
 +
* Uterine cervix protrudes into the upper vagina and contains the endocervical canal that links the uterine cavity with the vagina.
 +
* The endocervical canal is lined by a single layer of tall columnar mucus-secreting cells.
 +
* Where the cervix is exposed to the vagina (the ectocervix), it is lined by thick stratified squamous epithelium.
 +
** Cells of the ectocervix often have clear cytoplasm due to their high glycogen content.
 +
* The junction between the vaginal and endocervical epithelium is abrupt, normally located at the external os.  This is the point where the endocervical canal opens into the vagina.
 +
* The main bulk of the cervix is composed of tough, collagenous tissue with relatively little smooth muscle.
 +
* Under the squamocolumnar junction, the cervical stroma is infiltrated with leukocytes which defend against microorganisms.
 +
* It is the cervical stroma that is influence by the ovarian hormones.
 +
 +
==Vascularisation==
 +
*Uterine artery off the Internal Iliac artery (External Iliac artery in the Mare).
  
 
==Function==
 
==Function==
  
* Provides a physical barrier to the uterus therefore preventing abortion due to infection by isolating the foetus from the external environment. It does this by creasing a highly viscous mucous plug.  Closure is via the mucosal folds.
+
* Provides a physical barrier to the uterus therefore preventing abortion due to infection by isolating the foetus from the external environment, closure is via the mucosal folds.
 +
* Cervical mucosa produces a mucous secretion which forms a mucous plug that helps close the cervical canalThis is easily expelled during [[Oestrus Behaviour - Anatomy & Physiology|oestrus]] and parturition.
 
* Barrier to sperm transport in the ewe, cow, bitch and queen, but not in the sow and mare.
 
* Barrier to sperm transport in the ewe, cow, bitch and queen, but not in the sow and mare.
* Assists with the storage and survival of sperm by admitting sperm to the genital tract at a time when fertilisation is possible (around ovulation).
+
* Assists with the storage and survival of sperm by admitting sperm to the genital tract at a time when [[Fertilisation - Anatomy & Physiology|fertilisation]] is possible (around [[Ovulation - Anatomy & Physiology|ovulation]]).
* Mucus production for lubrication and to prevent microorganisms from entering the uterus.
+
* Mucus production for lubrication and to prevent microorganisms from entering the [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]].
 
* Remodels itself at the end of gestation to allow birth and to stimulate the development of maternal behaviour.
 
* Remodels itself at the end of gestation to allow birth and to stimulate the development of maternal behaviour.
 +
<br>
  
==Anatomical Boundaries==
 
*Located between the Uterus and the Vagina.
 
  
==Histology==
+
{{Template:Learning
 +
|powerpoints = [[Female Reproductive Tract Histology resource|Histology of the female reproductive tract]]
 +
}}
  
* Uterine cervix protrudes into the upper vagina and contains the endocervical canal that links the uterine cavity with the vagina.
+
==Webinars==
*
+
<rss max="10" highlight="none">https://www.thewebinarvet.com/urogenital-and-reproduction/webinars/feed</rss>
 
 
==Vascularisation==
 
*Uterine artery off the Internal Iliac artery (External Iliac artery in the Mare).
 
  
==Links==
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[[Category:Female Reproduction]]
 +
[[Category:Bullet Points]]

Latest revision as of 16:37, 3 January 2023


Introduction

The cervix can be palpated transrectally and forms a sphincter controlling access to the uterus.The anatomy of the cervical canal is adapted to suit a particular pattern of reproduction and its composition will alter under the influence of reproductive hormones. Not only does it respond to the fluctuation in oestrodiol during the oestrous cycle, but is responsive to prostaglandins and oxytocin in order to 'soften' for parturition.

Structure

  • The lumen of the cervix is the cervical canal.
  • The canal is formed by, and often almost occluded by mucosal folds.
    • Single fold and smooth surface in the queen and bitch
    • Multiple folds protruding into the cervical canal in the cow, ewe, sow and mare.
  • The cervical canal opens cranially into the body of the uterus at the internal uterine ostium.
  • The cervical canal opens caudally into the vagina at the external uterine ostium.

Cow and Ewe

  • High volume of mucous production
  • Multiple folds
  • Cervical rings form interlocking finger-like projections known as interdigitating prominences.
  • Elaborate system of folds and crypts to provide a site of storage where sperm are protected from the spermicidal environment of the vagina and uterus in the ewe.
  • Allows semen to be ejaculated directly into the uterus for rapid transport to the oviducts in the cow.

Sow

  • Less mucous secretion
  • Multiple folds
  • Cervical folds form rings (cervical rings)
  • Mounds or cushions known as pulvini interdigitate with each other to close the cervical canal.
  • Ensures a tight coupling of the penis with the cervix to ensure that the large volume of semen produced by the boar is deposited in the uterus.

Mare

  • Simple cervix with the most caudal part bulging into the vagina to form a distinct recess (vaginal fornix).
  • Low volume mucous secretion
  • Multiple folds
  • Many longitudinal folds of mucosa that protrude into the vagina (fornix vagina)
  • Soft during oestrus

Bitch

  • Simple cervix with the most caudal part bulging into the vagina to form a distinct recess (vaginal fornix).
  • Single fold
  • Relatively smooth surface

Queen

  • External uterine ostium opens on a small hillock projecting into the vagina.
  • Small
  • Thick walled compared to the uterus or vagina
  • Single fold
  • Smooth surface

Histology

Histological Section of the Cervix of a Ewe- from the Histology of the female reproductive tract PowerPoint
Histological Section of the Cervical Lumen of a Ewe- from the Histology of the female reproductive tract PowerPoint


  • The lumen of the cervix is lined by a simple columnar epithelium containing many mucus producing cells. Some cilia may be seen on these cells.
  • Uterine cervix protrudes into the upper vagina and contains the endocervical canal that links the uterine cavity with the vagina.
  • The endocervical canal is lined by a single layer of tall columnar mucus-secreting cells.
  • Where the cervix is exposed to the vagina (the ectocervix), it is lined by thick stratified squamous epithelium.
    • Cells of the ectocervix often have clear cytoplasm due to their high glycogen content.
  • The junction between the vaginal and endocervical epithelium is abrupt, normally located at the external os. This is the point where the endocervical canal opens into the vagina.
  • The main bulk of the cervix is composed of tough, collagenous tissue with relatively little smooth muscle.
  • Under the squamocolumnar junction, the cervical stroma is infiltrated with leukocytes which defend against microorganisms.
  • It is the cervical stroma that is influence by the ovarian hormones.

Vascularisation

  • Uterine artery off the Internal Iliac artery (External Iliac artery in the Mare).

Function

  • Provides a physical barrier to the uterus therefore preventing abortion due to infection by isolating the foetus from the external environment, closure is via the mucosal folds.
  • Cervical mucosa produces a mucous secretion which forms a mucous plug that helps close the cervical canal. This is easily expelled during oestrus and parturition.
  • Barrier to sperm transport in the ewe, cow, bitch and queen, but not in the sow and mare.
  • Assists with the storage and survival of sperm by admitting sperm to the genital tract at a time when fertilisation is possible (around ovulation).
  • Mucus production for lubrication and to prevent microorganisms from entering the uterus.
  • Remodels itself at the end of gestation to allow birth and to stimulate the development of maternal behaviour.




Cervix - Anatomy & Physiology Learning Resources
Category:Histology PowerPointsPowerPoint.png
PowerPoint
Selection of relevant PowerPoint tutorials
Histology of the female reproductive tract


Webinars

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