Vaginal and cervical epithelial cell

Vaginal and cervical epithelial cells form the continuous mucosal surface of the lower female genital tract. The vagina and ectocervix are lined by stratified non-keratinized squamous epithelial cells, which provide mechanical protection, produce mucus, and maintain an acidic environment through glycogen metabolism. The endocervix is lined by columnar epithelial cells. These cells are connected via junctional molecules (tight junctions, adherens junctions, desmosomes), forming a barrier that helps prevent microbial invasion, preserves local immune homeostasis, and supports tissue elasticity. Epithelial cells also contribute to immune defense through production of antimicrobial peptides, cytokines, chemokines, and by serving as antigen-presenting cells. The composition and function of these cells are influenced by sex hormones, notably estrogen, which regulates maturation, glycogen content, and local immune competence.

Other names

Vaginal epithelial cellCervical epithelial cellStratified squamous epithelial cell (ectocervix and vagina)Columnar epithelial cell (endocervix)

Most drugs and vaccines act on or are delivered through these cells, not at them; some (e.g., estrogens) modulate their physiological and barrier functions