Written by Beata Anderson, Sonographer
23rd-29th January was Cervical Cancer prevention week At Somerset early Scans we offer a variety of Women’s Health Scans. Currently, transvaginal ultrasound is a valuable imaging tool for the initial assessment and evaluation of the female genital organs, uterus, and adnexa. Uterine cervical lesions can range from benign to malignant in nature. Therefore, a meticulous examination by our trained practitioners may play a key role in assessing uterine cervical lesions.
The cervix is inside the body as a part of the female reproductive system. It joins the top of the vagina to the lower part of the womb. Women are usually born with a cervix. You may have a cervix if you are if a trans man and/or non-binary person who was assigned female at birth or a man who has a difference in sex development (DSD) or is intersex. In rare cases, women with DSD or who are intersex may be born without a cervix. If you have had surgery, such as a hysterectomy, you may have had your cervix removed. If you are not sure whether you have a cervix, it is best to speak with your GP.
Where is the cervix?
The cervix is part of the female reproductive system. The female reproductive system is made up of the: vagina, womb (uterus), cervix, ovaries and a fallopian tubes.
What is the structure of the cervix?
The cervix is a small round organ, with an opening called the os. The cervix forms a canal, which joins the top of the vagina to the lower part of the womb. This is called the endocervical canal.
The cervix is divided into:
- ectocervix – the outer surface of the cervix.
- endocervix – the inside of the cervix.
- Ectocervix and endocervix
Types of cells
The types of cells that form the cervix are:
- squamous cells – flat, thin cells that look like skin and cover the outer surface of the cervix
- glandular cells – cells shaped like columns that make a fluid called mucus and cover the inside of the cervix.
Transformation zone
The transformation zone is the area where glandular cells and squamous cells meet. It is found around the opening of the cervix. The transformation zone is where the nurse or doctor will take a sample of cervical cells from during cervical screening (a smear test).
What does the cervix do?
The cervix has an important role in the female reproductive system.
Menstrual cycle (periods)
If you have a regular period, the lining of the womb sheds as blood each month. The cervix opens to allow the blood to flow out of the vagina. This is an important part of the menstrual cycle because, if the cervix didn’t open, blood would build up in the womb.
Protecting against infection
Glandular cells in the cervix make a fluid called mucus. The mucus is usually clear or white and there may be more of it at different times in the menstrual cycle. It is sometimes called cervical discharge.
This mucus keeps the cervix, womb, ovaries and fallopian tubes healthy by helping protect them from bacteria that could cause infection.
Pregnancy and giving birth
During a part of the menstrual cycle called ovulation, the mucus made by the cervix becomes thinner. This allows sperm to travel up the fallopian tube to fertilise an egg.
During pregnancy, the cervix closes to help protect and keep the baby inside the womb until it is ready to be born. Without this barrier, the baby could be born before it is ready (prematurely) or lost (miscarriage).
When the baby is ready to be born, the cervix stretches and softens to allow the baby to move from the womb to the vagina.