Cervical canal: structure and function

The most important genital organ of the female body is the uterus, which is located inside the small pelvis. The uterus cavity is connected to the vaginal cavity by the uterine neck, inside which the cervical canal is located.

Structure and functions of the cervical canal .

The cervical canal is the portion of the uterine neck that connects the vagina and the uterine cavity. From the inside, it is covered with a massive mucosa, which has a large number of elastic fibers, which determines its high plasticity and elasticity. In addition, the mucous forms the so-called crypts - creases on the walls, which increase the working area of the shell.

The main function of the mucosa is the production of viscous and viscous mucus, which subsequently forms the so-called Kristeller plug. This plug has a strong alkaline reaction and is responsible for protecting against penetration into the uterine cavity of bacteria and foreign bodies.

Cervical canal: when is his research needed ?

Studies of the cervix are the easiest and easiest way to determine the presence of diseases. Such an examination is performed with the help of gynecological mirrors. Normally, the cervix has a pinkish hue, while the mucous membrane of the cervical canal is a transparent, whitish structure.

In the presence of cysts, tumors, precancerous diseases, polyps, erosion and many other diseases, the cervix changes markedly, as does the cervical canal. That is why timely gynecological examination helps to notice the disease in time and immediately begin treatment.

Cervical canal: additional methods of investigation .

If during the gynecological examination deviations from the norm were found, then women are assigned a number of important additional studies. If you suspect a development of inflammation, you need to take a smear. The laboratory analysis of the seized material helps to determine the nature of the pathogen, as well as its sensitivity to antibiotics.

A Pap smear is taken when a tumor is suspected. During laboratory smear tests, it is possible to see deviations and mutations in the structure of epithelial cells.

In addition, in some cases, spend and kolkoskopiyu, during which a special device is examined the mucous membrane of the uterine neck.

Cervical canal during pregnancy .

Since the onset of pregnancy, intensive changes in the structure of female genital organs begin . For example, the cervical canal in the first few weeks acquires a characteristic bluish tint (by the way, this is how the gynecologist determines pregnancy in the early stages).

Throughout the time the fetus is born, the cervical canal is closed by a very tight stopper, formed from the mucus secreted. The function of this formation is to protect the fetus and placenta from infection. The cork goes away before the birth, and in some women a few hours before the onset of labor, and in others - two weeks before the birth. Immediately before the birth process, the cervical canal widens and reaches a diameter of almost 10 centimeters.

Possible violations during pregnancy .

The most common disorder is ismiko-cervical insufficiency, which means that the uterus can not keep an actively growing fetus in its cavity. As a result, the cervical canal expands already in the early stages of pregnancy. Most often this occurs around the 16th week, since it is during this period that the developing child begins to grow strongly and actively move. Fortunately, if you find such a failure in time, pregnancy can be saved. Very often, for this purpose, the doctor puts seams on the cervical canal, which are removed already a few weeks before the expected delivery. In some cases, so-called obstetric rings are used to support the uterus.