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Questions and Answers
Match the cervical changes with their descriptions:
Cervical ripening = Lowering collagen and increasing water content Eversion = Proliferation of columnar glands onto ectocervix Mucus plug = Copious mucus rich in Ig and cytokines Beading = Characteristic pattern caused by poor crystallization
Match the terms with their meanings:
Ferning = Arborization of ice-like crystals due to amniotic fluid leakage Cervical edema = Increased water content in cervical tissue Bluish tones = Increased vascularity in the cervix Bloody show = Expulsion of the mucus plug at labor onset
Match the events with their timing related to conception:
1 month after conception = Cervix begins to soften Onset of labor = Mucus plug is expelled During pregnancy = Cervical glands proliferate Nonpregnant cervix = Higher collagen concentrations
Match the cervical observations with their characteristics:
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Match the cervical mucus characteristics with their functions:
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Study Notes
Cervical Changes During Pregnancy
- One month after conception, the cervix begins to soften and gain a bluish tone due to increased blood flow (vascularity) and fluid retention (edema).
- The cervix primarily contains connective tissue, with a small amount of smooth muscle.
- During cervical ripening, the levels of collagen and proteoglycans decrease, while the water content increases.
- Cervical glands multiply (proliferate), pushing columnar glands onto the outer part of the cervix (ectocervical portion), a process called eversion.
- Endocervical glands produce abundant mucus, rich in immunoglobulins (Ig) and cytokines, forming a mucus plug which seals the cervix.
- The mucus plug is expelled at the start of labor, often appearing as a bloody discharge (bloody show).
- Progesterone causes poor crystallization of cervical mucus, creating a beaded pattern when spread and dried on a glass slide.
- Amniotic fluid leakage causes branching, ice-like crystals (ferning) in the cervical mucus.
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Description
This quiz explores the physiological changes occurring in the cervix during pregnancy. Key topics include softening, vascularity, mucus production, and the role of hormones like progesterone. Test your understanding of these important aspects of cervical health and labor preparation.
