The cervix is the name doctors give to the neck of the womb. It is a small opening surrounded by folds of mucous membrane containing mucous-secreting glands. It is supported by two folds’ of tissue that attach to the backbone.
The first stage of a child’s birth occurs when the cervix starts to expand under the influence of rhythmical muscular contractions, until the head can pass through.
The cervix is recognised as a possible cancer site. There is now a service that tests women at regular intervals - three years is usual - for signs of this disease, so that effective early treatment may be started. Scarring or infection following a difficult childbirth may make the cervix more vulnerable.