cervical
UK: ˈsɜː.vɪ.kəl | US: ˈsɝː.vɪ.kəl
adj. relating to the neck or the cervix (the narrow passage forming the lower end of the uterus)
cervic<neck> + al<adjective suffix>
- cervic: From Latin cervix (neck), referring to both the anatomical neck and the cervix of the uterus.
- al: A suffix forming adjectives, derived from Latin -alis, indicating relation or pertaining to.
Etymology Origin:
The word cervical traces back to Latin cervix, meaning "neck." Over time, its usage expanded in medical terminology to specifically denote the neck-like structure of the uterus (cervix uteri). The suffix -al was added to form an adjective, aligning with the pattern of Latin-derived scientific terms (e.g., spinal, renal). The dual anatomical reference reflects the structural similarity between the neck and the cervical region of the uterus.
The doctor examined her cervical spine for signs of injury.
Regular Pap smears are essential for cervical cancer screening.
He experienced cervical pain after the car accident.
The study focused on cervical vertebrae in mammals.
Cervical dilation is a key stage of labor.