Findings

In this survey image, a portion of the cervix is shown. The cervical canal is seen adjacent to the mucous glands that are lined by simple columnar epithelium. That portion of the cervix that protrudes into the vagina is lined by stratified squamous nonkeratinized epithelium. Subjacent to both types of epithelium is a dense connective tissue.

Comment

The cervix is the constricted portion of the uterus that projects into the vagina. The cervical canal connects the uterine cavity with the vagina. That portion of the cervix that project into the vagina is called the exocervix or portio vaginalis, while that lining the cervical canal is called endocervix.

Preparation

Paraffin section, hematoxylin and eosin

View

Low-power light microscopy

Specimen

Cervix

Image Credit

Katsumi M. Miyai, M.D., Ph.D
Department of Pathology
School of Medicine
University of California, San Diego