Page 884 - Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations

changes to nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium of the vaginal portion

of the cervix called the portio vaginalis (7) and the external surface of the
vaginal fornix (8). At the base of the fornix, the epithelium becomes the vaginal
epithelium (9) of the vaginal wall (10).

The smooth muscles of the muscularis (1) extend into the cervix but are not
as compact as the muscles in the body of the uterus.

FIGURE 21.29 ■ Cervix, cervical canal, and vaginal fornix (longitudinal

section). Stain: hematoxylin and eosin. Low magnification.

FUNCTIONAL CORRELATIONS 21.5 ■ Cervix

The cervical mucosa does not undergo extensive changes during the
menstrual cycle. However, the cervical glands exhibit functional changes
during the menstrual cycle that influence sperm passage through the cervical

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