Cervical cells. Cell-vizio 600 image of part of the ectocervix showing healthy squamous epithelium tissue; tissue which consists of layers of flat scaly cells and is constantly being shed and replaced within the cervix. Membranes and nuclei can clearly be seen. The ectocervix is the region outside the cervical canal and inside the vagina. The cell-vizio imaging instrument uses optical biopsy, a system consisting of a flexible tube containing optical fibres. At the front of this is a thin probe which enters the tissue and a laser which shines on the tissue. The optical fibres relay the image back - making the tecnique minimally invasive. Magnification: x500 when printed 10 centimetres wide.