You are trying to load the Human Atlas. Either you do not have the newest version of Adobe Flash®, or you have JavaScript disabled, both of which are required to use this system.

Adjust Font Size
 
Search Health Information   
 
•Encyclopedia Home
•Special Topics A-Z
•Read Spanish version
Images
Female reproductive anatomy
Female reproduct...
Uterus
Uterus
 
More Features
•Printer-friendly version
 

Cervix

Information

The cervix is the lower end of the womb (uterus). It is at the top of the vagina. It is about 1 inch long. The cervical canal passes through the cervix. It allows blood from a menstrual period and a baby (fetus) to pass from the womb into the vagina.

The cervical canal also allows sperm to pass from the vagina into the uterus.

Conditions that affect the cervix include:

A PAP smear is a screening test to check for cancer of the cervix. 

Review Date: 1/13/2013
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com