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Human Body Study

Cervix and Vagina

The lower passage of the female reproductive tract — the cervix is the narrow neck of the uterus, and the vagina is the muscular canal that opens to the outside.

Female reproductive system Front-view schematic showing the mammary glands, ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and the cervix and vagina; each labelled part links to its article. Female reproductive system Mammary glands the breasts, which produce milk after birth. Ovaries produce eggs and the hormones estrogenand progesterone. Fallopian tubes carry the egg toward the uterus; theusual site of fertilization. Uterus the muscular organ where a fertilizedegg implants and a fetus develops. Cervix and vagina the lower passage; the vagina is alsothe birth canal. Female reproductive system — schematic front view, not to scale.

Cervix

Section titled “Cervix”
  • The narrow lower part of the uterus, opening into the vagina.
  • Produces mucus that varies through the cycle, easing or blocking sperm passage.
  • Dilates dramatically during childbirth.

Vagina

Section titled “Vagina”
  • A flexible, muscular tube.
  • Receives the penis during intercourse.
  • Serves as the birth canal during childbirth.
  • The channel for menstrual flow.

Key idea

Section titled “Key idea”

The cervix is the gatekeeper between the uterus and the outside world; the vagina is the passage that connects the two. Together they handle sex, menstruation, and childbirth — three very different roles in one structure.