What is the normal appearance of the cervix during a Pap (Papanicolaou) smear?

A normal cervix during a Pap smear typically appears as a smooth, pink, donut-shaped structure at the end of the vaginal canal. The opening in the center, called the os, should be small and round or slightly oval. The surface should be uniform in color without any visible lesions, growths, or abnormal discharge. Some slight variations in appearance are normal, including a reddish area around the os called the transformation zone, which is where most cervical cell changes occur. The cervix may also have a slightly different appearance depending on age, hormonal status, and childbirth history. For example, women who have given birth may have a wider os that appears more like a horizontal slit rather than a circle. During pregnancy, the cervix often appears bluish due to increased blood flow. It's important to remember that visual inspection alone cannot determine if cells are abnormal at the microscopic level, which is why the Pap test is necessary to collect cells for laboratory examination.