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What is the cervix?About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
The cervix is the lower third portion of the uterus which forms
the neck of the uterus that opens into the vagina. The narrow
opening of the cervix is called the os. The os allows
menstrual blood to flow out, and widens
during labor to allow the passage of the fetus through the vagina
during childbirth.
The cervix is covered by the epithelium which is made of a thin layer of cells. The cells of the epithium are either squamous or columnar. Squamous cells are flat and scaly, while columnar cells appear column-like. Image of Normal Cervix- From Female Genital Pathology. Pap Smears- From your About.com Guide. Created: December 8, 2003 New posts to the Premenstrual Syndrome forums: About.com is accredited by the Health On the Net Foundation, which promotes reliable and trusted online health information. |
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