Human cell

Ectocervical Squamous Cells (Cervix Outer Lining)

The outer part of the cervix is covered in many layers of flat cells. They make a tough, protective lining.

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Lesson 1

A stack of flat cells

The cervix is the narrow bottom part of the uterus, or womb. Its outer part faces the birth canal.

The outer cervix is covered by many layers of cells, stacked up like a pile of pancakes. Squamous means flat. The cells at the bottom are rounder, and they get flatter as they move up to the top.

Try this

Gently run your tongue along the inside of your cheek. That smooth, wet lining is made of layers of flat cells too, much like these.

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