On completion of this section the cytotechnologist should know:

• The anatomical structure of the uterine cervix and its position in relation to other structures in the pelvis.
• The regions of the cervix: endocervix, ectocervix, and squamocolumnar junction.
• The histological appearances of the epithelia lining the endocervix ectocervix in the nulliparous,  parous and post menopausal woman  and their function.
• Metaplastic change in the cervix, the transformation zone, and its clinical significance