During cervical ripening, collagen is broken down by enzymes called _____.
Answer
collagenases
Explanation
Cervical remodelling includes breakdown of collagen by **collagenases**, alongside white-cell infiltration and cytokine production. These tissue changes contribute to cervical softening and preparation for labour.
**Key takeaway:** Collagenase-mediated collagen breakdown is part of cervical ripening.
**Glossary:** **Collagen**: a structural protein in connective tissue. **Collagenase**: an enzyme that breaks down collagen. **Cytokine**: a cell-signalling protein.