Fallopian tube

part of the female reproductive organs

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.[1]

Fallopian tubes
Schematic frontal view of female anatomy
Cross-section of Fallopian tube, stained and viewed under microscope
Details
SystemReproductive system
Arterytubal branches of ovarian artery, tubal branch of uterine artery via mesosalpinx
Lymphlumbar lymph nodes
Identifiers
LatinTuba uterina
GreekSalpinx
MeSHD005187
TAA09.1.02.001
FMA18245
Anatomical terminology

Origin

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

Anatomy

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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.

There are four parts of the fallopian tube from the ovary to the uterus:[2]

Layers

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The fallopian tube

The fallopian tube is made of three layers:[3]

Movement

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The Fallopian tubes can move around the pelvis.

Fertilization

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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.

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References

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  1. Williams, J (2018). Williams obstetrics. New York: McGraw-Hill Education Medical. p. 52. ISBN 9781259644320.
  2. SUNY Labs 43:04-0101 - "The Female Pelvis: The Oviduct"
  3. Fallopian tube
  4. "Oviduct". Archived from the original on 2008-05-17. Retrieved 2008-08-23.