What is the cervical channel in women?

Often, girls when examining the gynecologist hear a term such as "cervical canal", however, what it is and where it is located in women, do not know. Let's try to answer these questions.

What is the cervical canal (cervix)?

Under this anatomical formation is understood as the area of ​​the uterine neck, which has a width of the order of 7-8 mm, and connects the uterine cavity and the vagina between each other . On both sides the canal is covered with holes and holes. It is through this channel that blood flows out during menstruation. Through him, after unprotected intercourse, sperm penetrate into the uterine cavity.

The cervical canal lining the mucosa, which produces a so-called liquid (cervical mucus). It is she who creates a favorable environment for male sex cells and promotes their promotion into the uterine cavity, which is important for conception.

Speaking of what a cervical canal is, one can not fail to mention such a parameter as length. Normally, it is 3-4 cm. During the birth process, it can increase along with an increase in the diameter of the canal itself, which is equal to the size of the fetal head.

What does the cervical canal look like when a baby is born?

Having told about what a cervical canal is, it is necessary to say what it looks like during pregnancy.

As a rule, during the gestation, the color of the channel changes. So, normally it is usually bright pink or whitish. With the development of pregnancy and the increase in the number of small blood vessels in it, which is caused by the hung blood supply of the pelvic region, the mucous membrane acquires a bluish tinge. This fact makes it possible to identify the pregnancy at a very short time, with the help of a single examination in the gynecological chair. After this, as a rule, ultrasound is also appointed to clarify the period of pregnancy.