Fallopian tube

The fallopian tubes (also known as oviducts and uterine tubes) connect the ovaries to the uterus. The fallopian tubes let the ovum pass into the uterus. The ovum is able to be fertilized by sperm during sexual intercourse.

Fallopian tubes
Schematic frontal view of female anatomy
Cross-section of Fallopian tube, stained and viewed under microscope
Details
System	Reproductive system
Artery	tubal branches of ovarian artery, tubal branch of uterine artery via mesosalpinx
Lymph	lumbar lymph nodes
Identifiers
Latin	Tuba uterina
Greek	Salpinx
MeSH	D005187
TA	A09.1.02.001
FMA	18245
Anatomical terminology

Origin

They are named after the 16th century Italian anatomist, Gabriele Falloppio. The Greek word salpinx (σαλπιγξ) means "trumpet".

Anatomy

There are two Fallopian tubes attached to either side of the end of the uterus. Each tube will end near one ovary. This place is called the fimbria. The Fallopian tubes are not attached to the ovaries, but open into the peritoneal cavity.

In humans, the Fallopian tubes are about 7 - 14 cm long.

Parts

There are four parts of the fallopian tube from the ovary to the uterus:

• Infundibulum
• Ampulla - where the ovum is fertilized
• Isthmus

Layers

The fallopian tube

The fallopian tube is made of three layers:

• Mucosa - these are folded walls with ciliated cells along them.
• Muscularis externa
• Serosa

Movement

The Fallopian tubes can move around the pelvis.

Fertilization

See the main article: Fertilization

When an ovum is ready to be released from the ovary, the ovary wall breaks open and the ovum goes into the fallopian tube. There, it starts moving towards to uterus with the help of liquids and cilia on the inside walls. This can take hours or days.

If the ovum is fertilized while in the fallopian tube, then it sticks to the endometrium, which is the beginning of pregnancy.

Related pages

• Menstrual cycle