Cervical Smear

Development of the Transformation Zone

The columnar epithelium exposed to the vaginal environment gradually changes to a thicker keratinised squamous one. In doing so it becomes the full transformation zone.

The zone is sensitive to exposure by noxious agents with a greater risk of developing neoplasia as a result.

After the menopause the transformation zone retracts into the canal due to stromal tissue shrinkage.

The image below demonstrates the transformation zone