The word cervix comes from a Latin word cervix uteri meaning neck and is an important part of the female anatomy, or to be more specific, of the female reproductive system.
Definition and Anatomy of cervix
The top end of the vagina is connected to the uterus through a low narrow cylindrical passage or tunnel which is known as the cervix. In fact cervix is the lower part of the uterus where it becomes narrow.
The cervix may also be conically shaped and the upper anterior wall of the vagina is the place through which it will protrude. With the help of suitable medical equipment it is possible to view half of the length of the cervix approximately.
The rest of the cervix cannot be seen as the vaginal wall blocks the view because it rises above the vagina. The other terms for cervix are neck of the uterus or cervix uteri.
Anatomical parts of the cervix
The cervix can be divided into several parts or sections such as ectocervix, external os, endocervical canal, internal os and cervical crypts. These last ones cervical crypts refer to the pockets on the outer cervical lining and production of cervical fluid is their function.
Cervix sometimes also houses Nabothian cysts and cervical mucus – an acidic, infertile and thick mucous liquid is secreted by the cervix after the end of the menstrual period to block the external os.
Cervical cancer
The female cervix often under certain conditions falls prey to cervical cancer especially if it has experienced exposure to the deadly strains of HPV or human papilloma virus. Other less harmful HPV strains cause cervical warts. It is possible to detect cervical cancer at an early stage if you regularly conduct Pap smear tests and also HPV tests once you cross the age of 30 years.
Nowadays cervical cancer vaccines like Gardasil are available and others like Cervarix are waiting in the pipeline for FDA’s approval which can prevent and minimize the risk of contracting cervical cancer, even in women who are sexually active, not virgins, but not yet exposed to certain types of deadly HPV strains. It is advised to limit the number of sexual partners and practice taking protection to guard against cervical cancer.
Cancer of the cervix was one of the main causes of female mortality rate being so high before 1955 but between 1955 and 1992, because of hardcore publicity and relentless awareness campaigns the rate of mortality related to cervical cancer has dropped by 74%!
After breast cancer, cancer of the cervix is the most common cancer that affects women.
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