Page 903 - Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations

SECTION 2 • Cervix, Vagina, Placenta, and

Mammary Glands

CERVIX

Located between uterus and vagina, with cervical canal passing into uterus
Undergoes minimal change during menstrual cycle
Cervical glands exhibit altered secretory activities, depending on menstrual

cycle
During proliferative phase, secretion is watery to allow sperm passage into
uterus
During secretory phase, secretion is viscous, forms a plug, and protects

uterus

VAGINA

Extends from cervix to external genitalia
Does not have glands, is lined with stratified epithelium, and is lubricated by
cervical glands

Epithelium thickens after estrogenic stimulation but is not shed during
menstrual cycles
Glycogen accumulates during proliferative phase and, after metabolism,
becomes acidic
Vaginal exfoliate cytology (vaginal smear) is closely correlated with the

ovarian cycle
Follicular activity can be determined by predominant cell type in the smear
Smears of surface epithelium are highly valuable for detecting cervical or

vaginal cancers

PLACENTA

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