serviks

Serviks, also known as the cervix, is the lower, cylindrical part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. It acts as a gateway between the uterine cavity and the vaginal canal and plays a key role in reproductive biology and pregnancy. The cervix is divided into the endocervical canal, lined by mucus-secreting columnar epithelium, and the exocervix, covered by squamous epithelium. The junction between these epithelia, the transformation zone, is the area most associated with HPV infection and cervical neoplasia.

Anatomically, the cervix forms the internal os, the opening to the uterus, and the external os, the opening into the vagina. It is supported by pelvic ligaments and supplied by branches of the uterine arteries; innervation is mostly autonomic. The cervical mucus produced by the endocervical glands changes in consistency during the menstrual cycle and with hormonal status, influencing the passage of sperm.

Functionally, the cervix helps protect the uterus from infection and regulates sperm entry through mucus rheology. During pregnancy, the cervix remains closed and firm, forming a mucus plug; it gradually dilates during labor to allow delivery.

Clinical relevance includes cervicitis, cervical polyps, and cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is strongly linked to persistent high-risk HPV infection. Screening programs use Pap tests and HPV testing to detect precancerous changes, and HPV vaccination reduces risk. In pregnancy, some cases of cervical insufficiency may require monitoring or interventions such as cerclage to reinforce the cervix.