Endocervix

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Main organs of the female reproductive system.

The endocervix is the mucous membrane lining the endocervical canal of the uterus. It is lined with glandular epithelium, specifically mucus-secreting columnar epithelium.

At the upper end of the cervical canal, the epithelium of the endocervix becomes the endometrium of the uterine cavity.

The area where the endocervix and ectocervix, the outer part of the cervix projecting into the vagina, meet is called the squamocolumnar junction. This area contains both glandular cells from the columnar epithelium lining the endocervix and stratified squamous epithelial cells lining the ectocervix. The squamocolumnar junction is also known as the transformation zone.

The endocervix plays an important role in the reproductive health of the female anatomy, as its function of producing and secreting mucus not only facilitates the passage of sperm during sexual intercourse but also acts as a protective barrier against infections. This is crucially important in the prevention of infections by the human papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer. Additionally, the endocervical cells, which are part of the glandular mucus-secreting columnar epithelium, are frequently evaluated in tests like the Pap smear, where vaginal exudate is analyzed to detect infections or precancerous cellular changes. Early detection of alterations in these cells can be key in the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer.

This article discusses the histology of the endocervix.