Final answer:
The cervix changes from one mature epithelial tissue type into another through a process called metaplasia. This process is a part of cell differentiation and is important for the cervix's function throughout different stages of life, including menstruation and childbirth.
Step-by-step explanation:
At puberty and other times in life, the cervix changes from one mature epithelial tissue type into another through a process known as metaplasia. Metaplasia is a type of differentiation, which is the process by which unspecialized cells become specialized.
The cervix has a high degree of organization among different types of cells, especially the epithelial cells that line its surface. This organization is crucial for its function and can be disrupted during events such as cancer.
The cervix undergoes several changes during different stages of life, including the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. For instance, the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus of which the cervix is a part, builds up during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle and then sheds during menses.
Furthermore, cervical dilatation is an important aspect during the stages of childbirth, where in stage one, the cervix thins, and in stage two, it dilates to about 10 cm to allow for the baby to be expelled.