Mucus within the genital tract serves numerous biological functions such as maintaining mucosa moisture, providing lubrication during intercourse, supporting fertility, and restricting ascending sperm cells during ovulation. Mucus glycoproteins (mucins) provide structural framework for a CMP, they determine the elasticity and fluid mechanics of a cervical mucus plug. Cervical mucus is formed by secretory cells within the cervical crypts. GMFS are a combination of proteins and other molecules that are responsible for the viscoelastic properties of the mucus. Components Ĭervicovaginal mucus is composed of water, gel-forming-mucins (GFMS), and vaginal flora. Some proteins found within the cervical mucus of patients with endometriosis could serve as potential biomarkers for the disease. ![]() The cervical mucus plug proteome changes throughout an individual's menstrual cycle and allows for identification of specific proteins that may represent different stages of ovulation. Ī cervical mucus plug can allow for identification of an individual's ovulation cycle and serve as fertility indicator. Having intercourse or a vaginal examination can also disturb the mucus plug and cause a pregnant individuals to see some blood-tinged discharge, even when labor does not begin over the next few days. Loss of the mucus plug does not necessarily mean that delivery or labor is imminent. The plug may come out as a plug, a lump, or simply as increased vaginal discharge over several days. As the pregnancy progresses into labor, the cervix begins to dilate and the mucus plug is discharged. Toward the end of the pregnancy, when the cervix thins, some blood is released into the cervix which causes the mucus to become bloody. It holds innate and adaptive immunity properties allowing for protection of the cervical epithelium during pregnancy. ![]() ĭuring pregnancy, the mucus has viscoelastic properties and can be described as cloudy, clear, thick, salty and sticky. Ensuring the presence and proper function the CMP is essential in reducing severe infections and promoting overall reproductive health. The cervical mucus plug (CMP) acts as a protective barrier by deterring the passage of bacteria into the uterus, and contains a variety of antimicrobial agents, including immunoglobulins, and similar antimicrobial peptides to those found in nasal mucus.The CMP inhibits the migration of vaginal bacteria towards the uterus, protecting against opportunistic infections that can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and the onset of preterm labor. It is formed by a small amount of cervical mucus that condenses to form a cervical mucus plug during pregnancy. A cervical mucus plug ( operculum) is a plug that fills and seals the cervical canal during pregnancy.
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