Cervical plicae palmatae

Last revised by Avni K P Skandhan on 9 Jul 2021

Cervical plicae palmatae are normal folds seen on the anterior and posterior walls of the cervical canal. They are often described as longitudinal ridges or oblique elevation.

Sometimes they are identified on MRI, and one must make sure not to misinterpret this finding as abnormal. Studies report it in 50% of women between the ages of 20-50 years and 25% of women in their sixth decade of life 2.

They are thought to be a remnant of Müllerian duct fusion.

They are often mistaken as cervical septum.

History and etymology

"Plicae palmatae" is Latin for "leaf-shaped fold".

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