The most important reproductive organ of the female body is the uterus, which is located inside the pelvis. The uterine cavity is connected to the vaginal cavity by the uterine cervix, inside of which the cervical canal is located.
The structure and functions of the cervical canal .
The cervical canal is a section of the uterine neck that connects the vagina and the uterine cavity. Inside, it is covered with a massive mucous membrane, which has a large number of elastic fibers, which determines its high plasticity and elasticity. In addition, the mucosa forms the so-called crypts - folds on the walls, which increase the working area of the shell.
The main function of the mucous membrane is the production of viscous and viscous mucus, which subsequently forms the so-called Christeller tube. Such a plug has a pronounced alkaline reaction and is responsible for protecting bacteria and foreign bodies from penetrating the uterine cavity.
Cervical canal: when is its research needed ?
Examination of the cervix is the easiest and easiest way to determine the presence of disease. Such an examination is carried out using gynecological mirrors. Normally, the cervix has a pinkish tinge, 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 noticeably, 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 research methods .
If during the gynecological examination abnormalities were found, then a number of important additional studies are prescribed for women. If inflammation is suspected, a smear should be taken. Laboratory analysis of the seized material helps determine the nature of the pathogen, as well as its sensitivity to antibiotics.
A Pap smear is taken if a tumor is suspected. During laboratory studies of the smear, abnormalities and mutations in the structure of epithelial cells can be seen .
In addition, in some cases, coloscopy is also performed, during which the mucous membrane of the uterine neck is examined with a special device.
Cervical canal during pregnancy .
From the moment of pregnancy, intense changes in the structure of the female genital organs begin . For example, in the very first weeks, the cervical canal acquires a characteristic cyanotic shade (by the way, this is how the gynecologist determines pregnancy in the early stages).
Throughout the entire period of gestation, the cervical canal is closed by a very dense plug formed from the secreted mucus. The function of this formation is to protect the fetus and placenta from infection. The cork leaves before the birth, with some women a few hours before labor, and others two weeks before the birth. Immediately before the birth process, the cervical canal expands greatly and reaches almost 10 centimeters in diameter.
Possible disorders during pregnancy .
The most common disorder is isthmic-cervical insufficiency, which means that the uterus cannot retain an actively growing fetus in its cavity. As a result of this, the cervical canal expands already in the early stages of pregnancy. Most often this happens around the 16th week, since it is during this period that the developing child begins to grow strongly and actively move. Fortunately, if such a failure is detected in time, pregnancy can be saved. Very often, for this purpose, the doctor sutures the cervical canal, which are removed a few weeks before the expected birth. In some cases, the so-called obstetric rings are used to support the uterus.