!Uterus - Mouth and Neck (Cervix & Portio Uteri)
!!Anatomy
The cervix is the __lower narrow portion of the ((Reproductive - Uterus Overview|uterus))__ where it joins with the top end of the ((Reproductive - Vagina|vagina)) - this part is called the mouth of the uterus. The cervix is cylindrical or conical in shape and protrudes through the upper anterior vaginal wall. Approximately half its length is visible with appropriate medical equipment; the remainder lies above the vagina beyond view. 

The neck and mouth of the womb are covered with squamous epithelial mucosa. Evolutionarily, these cells migrated there from the __((Reproductive - Vagina|vagina))__. Their walls consist of ((Musculoskeletal - Connective Tissue|connective tissue)) with enclosed ((Organ Walls - Smooth Muscle Layer|smooth muscle)) fibres. The uterus does not have a sphincter muscle.

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Correction: there is no striated muscle in the cervix, but the wall consists of connective tissue (governed by the cerebral medulla) with longitudinal smooth muscle fibres.

!!Brain
{img fileId="355" thumb="box"}insular cortex
graphic: wikipedia, Henry Gray

!!!Relay:
1. __Cerebral Cortex__ ( - / + ) insular region medio-lateral left side, for mucosa and sensitivity
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2. __Cerebral Medulla__ ( - / + ) nedial left & right "pelvic region", for organ wall (connective tissue)
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!!Mind
!!!Theme
1. (CC) Sexual conflict, loss of love, loss of status
2. (CM) Sexual or pregnancy self-devaluation

!!!Emotions, Thoughts:
1. (CC) analogue to the relay of ((Circulatory - Coronary Veins (intima)|coronary veins)):
__Jealousy, self-abandonment__
*Why doen't he want me?
*Why doesn't he love me anymore?
*My life lost it's meaning.
*I feel abused.
*He cheated on me.
*They have taken my place!
*I have to fight for my rank!
2. (CM):
__Self-consciousness, self-doubt, frustration__
*I am no good as a lover.
*I can't give him enough.
*When do I find the right man?
*I am not good enough for him.
*I can't be a good mother for my child.
*I can't hold and support my baby!
!!!META-Meaning:
*My loving self attracts the perfect partner and circumstances for me.
*I can choose the right partner for me!
*I am loving and worth to be loved.
*Now, I am confident to become a good mother.
!!Organ
1. (CC) The cervix mucosa reacts __analogue to the ((Circulatory - Coronary Veins (intima)|coronary veins)), the heart rhythm centre and the vaginal libido__. Stress can lead to reduced release of oestrogen and to manic states.
Sensitivity Reaction: according to __Outer Skin/epidermis Pattern__ with hyperesthesia in Regeneration Phase

!!!Stress Phase Symptoms:
1. (CC) Painless ulceration of the mucosa.
Reduction of oestrogen release can lead to menstrual irregularities (__dysmenorrhoe__, amenorrhoe), virilization and infertility, as well as to __manic episodes__.The vaginal libido is inhibited (frigidity).
Simultaneously, tachycardia and angina pectoris can appear when coronary veins are affected.
2. (CM) Weakening of cervix & portio which can lead to premature birth. Possible diagnose: __erosion of cervix/portio__.

!!!Regeneration Phase Symptoms:
Recurrence of ovulation and menstrual period due to normalization or heightening of oestrogen levels, depressive states are possible. Inflammatory repair and reinforcement of the tissue, often with viral activity (HPV, herpes) and bacteria (chlamydia, gonococci), often with __bleedings outside the menstrual cycle__ and discomfort or pain (increased sensitivity in the mucosa). Possible diagnoses: __cervicitis__, gonorrhea, __cervical cancer__ (carcinoma, derived from epithelial cells) as well as a cancer of the portio (located in the vaginal part of the cervical mouth).

''Newer studies with patients have shown that cervical cancer originates in ontogenetic superficial tissue, and that resection inside this layer has brought very satisfactory results, when no infiltration of deeper tissue layers was present.'' [http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045%2814%2970060-9/abstract|source]

!!!Healing Peak:
1. (CC) Accompanied by short-termed mania, __heart pain, tachycardia__ or fibrillation and possibly absence/unconsciousness. Because of spasms of the coronary veins muscle there is a risk of thrombosis and __lung emboly__ with dyspnea.

!!!Biological Meaning:
The widening of the cervix and mouth in stress phase mechanically enhances the probability to get pregnant.

!!Social
!!!Examples:
*A client with constant menstrual bleedings over weeks had sexual disagreements, and her wish for more children was suppressed. After an abortion she got the belief of not being worthy to become a mother again. (Hirth, MHU archive)

*A woman has premature births repeatedly. In regression she realizes the connection with traumas from her childhood and from her mother who was raped during flight. (Klapp)

*The client's husband reacted negatively when she told him she was pregnant. The child was born healthy, but she lost trust in her husband. Years later, she develops cervical cancer.

*A woman is betrayed by her partner. She doesn't want to admit it for herself, but loses her libido and begins manically to search for the meaning of her life. When he eventually leaves her, her world collapses and she gets apathic and depressive.

!!Additional Information
The cervix mucosa produces a tough __mucus__ that closes the uterus and avoids entering of substances and microbes. During the days around ovulation, the mucus becomes thin and permeable for sperm.
The __epithelium__ of the cervix varies. The __transformation zone__, also referred to as the ''squamocolumnar junction'', is adjacent to the borders of the ectocervix and the endocervix of the canal; and refers to the area where the change occurs between the squamous epithelium lining the ectocervix to the columnar epithelium that lines the endocervix. The squamous epithelium of the ectocervix is without keratin, and is continuous with the adjacent vagina. Underlying both types of epithelium is a tough layer of collagen. The transformation zone undergoes physiological changes at different times. At puberty, the columnar epithelium extends outwards, and cover portions of the ectocervix. The cervix also undergoes changes related to the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Additionally, the transformation zone may retreat post-menopause, such that the ectocervix is again covered with stratified squamous epithelium. Also, when the endocervix is exposed to the harsh acidic environment of the vagina it undergoes metaplasia to squamous epithelium.

1. (CC) This relay belongs to the "__territorial relays__" in the peri-insular cerebral cortex, with the theme of social position and affiliation. Special rules apply for the meaning of side dominance. Conflicts affect the sexual and social "hormonal scale" and can promote manic or depressive episodes (see "territorial constellations" related to the function of the ((Endocrine - Pituitary Gland - Posterior Lobe|neurohypophysis))).
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!!Constellations:
__Nymphomania__: together with ((Circulatory - Coronary Veins (intima)|Coronary Veins)) relay, if both conflicts had a sexual theme. __Flirting__ and constant attraction of transitory lovers. Frigidity and often reduced potency.__Positive: Unconditional love__.
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!!Differential Diagnosis:
__Uterus - ((Reproductive - Uterus - Endometrium|Endometrium))__ (Brain Stem, +/-) Stress phase (sexual fight or loss): increased secretion and cell growth; regeneration phase: inflammation and degradation (fungal infection), strong menstrual bleeding

__Uterus - ((Reproductive - Uterus - Myometrium|Myometrium))__ (Midbrain, +/-) Stress phase (with to bear a child): reinforcement (fibroid/myoma) and hypertonus; Regeneration phase: immobilization; Healing peak: hyperperistalsis

__((Endocrine - Pituitary Gland - Anterior Lobe|Pituitary anterior lobe))__ - production of __gestagen__ (Brain Stem, +/-) Stress phase (priority on pregnancy): increased production of gestagen, inhibition of ovulation, infertility

__((Endocrine - Pituitary Gland - Anterior Lobe|Pituitary anterior lobe))__ - production of __FSH__ (Brain Stem, +/-) Stress phase (with to reproduce): increased production, maturing of germ cells, increased fertility

__((Reproductive - Ovaries - Hormone Production|Ovaries - interstitium))__ __oestrogen__ production (Cerebral Medulla, -/+): underproduction, infertility in stress phase (loss of a person), cysts in regeneration phase, at the end increased hormone levels.


