A tissue basis for colposcopic findings.

Colposcopic changes are related to the variable degrees of white light that are absorbed and reflected by the cervix. The interface between the surface and the underlying vascular stroma consists of cells with variable amounts of nuclei and cytoplasm. Changes in the cell microanatomy, as well as microvessel growth related to different normal and abnormal cervical environments will dictate the color and vascular appearance of the colposcopically viewed cervix.