The atlas provides a comprehensive overview of the diagnostic value of phase contrast microscopy for gynecological outpatient cytology on fresh specimens. After an introduction to the application areas of gynecological vital cytology, technical explanations assist in the precise handling of the method and the phase contrast microscope. The subsequent text section offers a well-structured summary of the essential distinguishing features of individual cells and the overall cell image under physiological hormonal stimulation, as well as deviations triggered endogenously or iatrogenically, under bacterial colonization, and during carcinogenesis. This is followed by descriptions of incidental findings, secondary cell changes, and artifacts. In the accompanying image section, there are 143 mostly large-format microscopic images of typical cells and cell changes presented in the same order.