This drawing represents a cross section of the mucous membrane (skin) from the cervix ( mouth of teh womb) and illustrates how the covering (epithelial cells) rest on the basement membrane.

1 = Basement membrane. The skin cells that cover the cervix rest on this basement membrane
2 = Basal layer of cells. The cells in this layer are active multiplying to replace the upper cells that are constantly discarded ( layer 6)
3 = Cells in the lower third of the covering skin
4 = Cells in the middle third of the covering skin.
5 = Cells in the upper third of the covering skin.
6 = Old cells that are discarded . They are lying in the cavity (incase of a mucous membrane or loose on the surface).

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