What is the role of the cervix during childbirth?

The role of the cervix during childbirth is primarily to connect the uterus to the vagina. During labor, the cervix undergoes significant changes to allow for the passage of the baby. As contractions occur, the cervix dilates and thins, which is essential for the baby to move from the uterus into the birth canal. This alignment facilitates the delivery process, making it crucial for childbirth.

Other options, while associated with reproductive processes, do not accurately describe the cervix's specific function during childbirth. The cervix protects the uterus prenatally but is not its primary role during delivery. It also does not participate in fertilization or produce estrogen, which are functions associated with other structures within the female reproductive system.