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Overview of part of the cervix uteri (section cut parallel to the long axis of the cervix). The upper surface of the section (forming the wall of the cervical canal) is covered by the cervical mucosa, and the deeper part, which is more pinkish of colour, is the fibromuscular part of the cervix. It contains mainly a dense connective tissue with only relatively sparse (compared with the myometrium) smooth muscle. The big, white circles are retention cysts, and of no functional or clinical significance. You see that the wall of the cervical canal is folded. This part is called the endocervix. Further to the right in the picture the surface becomes smooth as it curves downward, covering the portio vaginalis (cervicis). This part is also called the exocervix. The next pictures with higher magnification will show these different parts much better. |