The cervix is part of the female reproductive tract that makes up the lower part of the uterus, also known as the womb. The upper endocervix connects to the uterus and the lower ectocervical region opens to the vagina. This connection allows for the passage of a fetus during delivery. (1)
The graphic above depicts the major components of the female reproductive tract.
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Vagina - female sex organ, passageway for menstrual blood and fetus during childbirth
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Cervix - region connecting the uterus to the vagina; the muscles of the cervix support the weight of the fetus during pregnancy
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Uterus (womb) - location where fertilized egg develops into a fetus and is nourished until birth. Note that the walls of the uterus are thick and lined with muscles
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Fallopian (uterine) Tube - location of fertilization of an egg by a sperm cell
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Ovary - produce and store gametes (eggs) and produce the female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone
For more information about cervical cancer visit the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.
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