[Ripening processes of the uterine cervix and their significance for parturition]

The uterine cervix is to be seen as a biochemical, physical and anatomic unit with a good correlation to the uterine corpus. The function of the cervix for the protection of the pregnancy depends from many biochemical processes, in which collagen has a very important role, influenced by structural and biochemical changing of the connective tissue and by the balance of biosynthesis and destruction of collagen. The controlling function of Estrogen, Progesterone and Corticoids seems to be demonstrated. Prostaglandins have a direct influence on the ripening processes of the cervix and correlation to the oxytocic influence of the uterine contraction. In clinical management and for examination of premature labour, cervical ripeness at term and post-term situations and for indicated initiation of labour we must use a cervix-score with different evaluation of its parameters as length, consistency, position and dilatation of the cervix as well as the station of the fetal head.