Dictionary

cervix, incompetent A cervix that has an abnormal tendency to dilate and so may not be able to keep a fetus from being spontaneously aborted (miscarried).

cervix The low, narrow part of the uterus, which forms a canal that opens from the uterus into the vagina. The inner surface of the cervix is covered with mucus. During ovulation, this mucus is specially adapted to speed sperm to the egg. The tiny opening of the cervix dilates during birth to permit the…

cervicitis Inflammation of the uterine cervix.

cervical vertebrae The upper seven vertebrae in the spinal column, which make up the neck. They are designated C1 through C7, from the top down. See C1 through C7.

cervical rib See rib, cervical.

cervical intraepithelial neoplasia The growth of abnormal precancerous cells on the surface of the cervix. Grades from one to three (least to most) may be used to describe the degree of involvement.

cervical cerclage The process of encircling a cervix that is abnormally liable to dilate (an incompetent cervix) with a ring or loop to prevent a miscarriage.

cervical cap A specially fitted contraceptive device that bars the entry of sperm into the cervix. The cervical cap is a thimble-shaped dome made of latex rubber and is much smaller than a diaphragm. For best results, a cervical cap is customarily used with spermicidal gel or cream. See also birth control; contraceptive.

cervical cancer See cancer, cervical.

cervical Having to do with any kind of neck, including the neck on which the head is perched and the neck of the uterus.

ceruloplasmin deficiency A genetic disorder that is due to a lack of ceruloplasmin, a protein that is involved in iron transport. The absence of ceruloplasmin leads to the abnormal deposition of iron in the pancreas (causing diabetes), liver (causing cirrhosis), retina (damaging vision), and brain (causing dementia and Parkinson’s disease). Aggressive treatment with deferoxamine, a…

cerebrum The largest part of the brain, which is divided into two hemispheres (halves). The left and right hemispheres are connected by two arching bands of nerves (cerebral fornices). See also cerebral fornix.