cervix Flashcards
Why do boys not have a uterus?
THE PARAMESONEPHROS AT 8 WEEKS DOESN’T FUSE IN BOYS SO THEY DON’T END UP WITH A UTERUS. THIS IS BECAUSE BOYS HAVE AN INHIBITORY FACTOR CALLED IMF – INHIBITORY MULLERIAN FACTOR.
congenital abnormalities of cervix
agenesis and dysgenesis
what does the cervix of a nulliparous female look like?
barrel shaped with a small circular external os at the centre
what does the cervix of a parous woman look like?
cevix is bulky and the ex os becomes slit like
describe the histology of the normal cervix
ECTOCERVIX - covered in non keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium in continuity with the vaginal epithelium
the squamous epithelium is composed of multiple layers - basal, parabasal, intermediate and superficial layer
THE ENDOCERVIX
lined by simple columnar epithelium that secretes mucus
Transformation zone after menopause
The squamocolumnar junction SCJ moves upward higher into the canal to due lack of estrogen
dont see columnar epithelium
ectocervix appears smooth because it is all sq epithelium
TRANSFORMATION ZONE RECEDES IN THE MENOPAUSE
Blood supply to the cervix
uterine artery
lymphatic drainage
parametrial nodes drain to pelvic side into the obturator fossa - obturator nodes which then drain into the int and ext iliac vessels then to the common iliac
nerve supply to cervix
parasympathetics to S2.3.4
sacral plexus
Functions of the cervix
produce mucus to facilitate sperm migration
Acts as a barrier to ascending infection
holds a developing pregnancy in place
effaces and dilates to enable vaginal birth
physiological changes to the cervix during pregnancy
hypertrophy becomes softer in preparation for delivery esp in 3rd trimester increased vascularity mucus remains elongated until onset of labour
Other physio changes -
cervical erosion due to effects of estrogen
atrophic cervicitis -
menopause - lack of estrogen - mimics infection/inflammation but is not a true infection just inflammed
cervical infections
Chlamydia
Gonorrhoea
Trichomonas Vaginalis
HPV
causes of cervical cancer
HPV predisposing factors such as smoking multiple sexual partners immune compromise low socioeconomic status
transmission of HPV ?
Skin to skin contact genital area
How is progession to cancer staged??
CIN 1 - 3
