North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

An incompetent cervix is comprised of more ___ and less ____ than the normal cervix.

1. Muscle fibers; connective tissue

2. Connective tissue; muscle fibers

3. Nerve endings; blood vessels

4. Blood vessels; nerve endings

The correct answer is: Muscle fibers; connective tissue

An incompetent cervix is characterized by an abnormal structure that lacks the necessary support to maintain its integrity during pregnancy. Specifically, in an incompetent cervix, there is more muscle fibers and less connective tissue compared to a normal cervix. The normal cervix is well-balanced with muscle fibers providing strength and reinforcement, while connective tissue offers structural support and stability. In cases of cervical incompetence, the increased muscle fibers may contribute to cervical shortening and dilation under the weight of the pregnancy, but without sufficient connective tissue, this structure cannot adequately withstand the pressure, leading to premature dilation and potential miscarriages or preterm births. Thus, understanding this distinction is crucial for recognizing the risk factors and managing pregnancies affected by cervical incompetence effectively.