Body & health

Cervix

Alsoneck of the wombcervicesneck of the uterus

Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.

Definition

The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus that opens into the top of the vagina. It lets menstrual blood out, produces mucus, and widens during childbirth.

At a glance

  • The cervix is the narrow lower end of the uterus that opens into the top of the vagina.
  • Its small central opening is called the os.
  • Cervical mucus changes over the cycle, becoming thinner and more slippery around ovulation.
  • During labour, the cervix softens and dilates so a baby can pass through.
  • Regular cervical screening and HPV vaccination greatly reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

In detail

The cervix has a small central opening called the os. Mucus made by the cervix changes texture over the menstrual cycle, becoming thinner and more slippery around ovulation, which some people track as part of fertility awareness methods. During labour, the cervix softens and dilates to allow a baby to pass through.

Cells on the cervix can be affected by some types of human papillomavirus (HPV), which over years can lead to cervical cancer. Regular cervical screening and HPV vaccination greatly reduce that risk.

In a sentence

  • The midwife checked how far the cervix had dilated before deciding on the next step.
  • The screening invitation explained that a few cells would be taken from the cervix.

Where the word comes from

From Latin cervix, meaning neck. In anatomy it describes the narrow, neck-like part of the uterus.

Common questions

What does the cervix do?

It lets menstrual blood flow out of the uterus, produces mucus that changes during the menstrual cycle, and widens during childbirth. It also forms a barrier between the vagina and the uterus.

How is the cervix linked to HPV?

Some types of human papillomavirus (HPV) can infect cervical cells and, over years, may lead to changes that can become cervical cancer. HPV vaccination and regular cervical screening greatly reduce this risk. A doctor or sexual health clinic can tell you what screening is offered where you live.

Related terms

Sources

  1. NHSCervical screening
  2. MedlinePlusCervical Cancer Screening