Abnormal uterine cervix morphology Cervical ectropion SNOMEDCT_US:61253004 UMLS:C0269189 SNOMEDCT_US:79342006 Cervical ectropion occurs when eversion of the endocervix exposes columnar epithelium to the vaginal milieu Cervical ectopy Cervical erosion The upper cervix (endocervix) is lined by a simple columnar epithelium that contains mucous-secreting cells. In contrast, the lower cervix (ectocervix) is lined by a stratified squamous epithelium. The transition point between these two epithelia is known as the external os. Cervical ectropion is the presence of columnar cells on the ectocervix, which is normally composed of a squamous epithelium. Potential causes of ectropion include adolescent age, pregnancy, and hormonal contraceptives.5 Some clinicians believe ectropion could be a normal asymptomatic variant, whereas others believe it to be correlated with chronic cervicitis.5 The presence of the metaplastic columnar epithelium can manifest a myriad of symptoms including increased vaginal discharge, leukorrhea, postcoital bleeding, pelvic pain, recurrent cervicitis, and dyspareunia. UMLS:C0007869