During a PAP smear, which part of the female anatomy is assessed?

During a PAP smear, the primary area of assessment is the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. This procedure is specifically designed to collect cells from the cervix to check for any abnormalities that could indicate cervical cancer or other conditions.

The cells are collected using a small brush or a spatula that gently scrapes the surface of the cervix during a gynecological examination. The results of a PAP smear help in early detection and prevention of potential health issues related to cervical health.

While the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes are all important components of the female reproductive system, they are not directly assessed during a PAP smear. The focus is explicitly on the cervical cells, making the cervix the correct anatomical site evaluated in this procedure.