Fallopian Tube is also known as
Location:
Each fallopian tube is located on either side of the uterus and extends outward from the upper corners of the uterus.
Structure:
The fallopian tubes have a tubular structure, and each tube is about 10-13 centimeters long. They are lined with ciliated cells and contain smooth muscle in their walls.
Function:
The primary function of the fallopian tubes is to facilitate the movement of the egg from the ovary to the uterus. During each menstrual cycle, one of the ovaries releases an egg. The fimbriae, finger-like projections at the end of each fallopian tube, sweep over the ovary to capture the egg.
Pathway of the egg:
Once the egg is captured by the fimbriae, ciliary movements within the fallopian tubes help propel the egg towards the uterus. If the egg encounters sperm along the way and fertilization occurs, it forms a zygote. The zygote then continues its journey toward the uterus, where it eventually implants in the uterine lining for further development.
Fallopian Tube is also known as
Capturing the egg:
During each menstrual cycle, one of the ovaries releases a mature egg in a process called ovulation. The fimbriae, finger-like projections at the end of each fallopian tube, sweep over the ovary’s surface to capture the released egg.
Transportation:
The fallopian tube is also known as, it has cilia and smooth muscle in their walls. These structures create gentle wave-like movements and contractions that help propel the egg through the tube’s lumen, towards the uterus. This process usually takes several days.
Fertilization site:
In most cases, fertilization of the egg by sperm occurs within the fallopian tube. Sperm cells, introduced into the female reproductive tract through intercourse. Swim through the cervix, uterus, and into the fallopian tubes, where they may encounter the egg. If fertilization occurs, the egg becomes a zygote, which continues its journey towards the uterus for implantation and further development.
Transport of the embryo:
If fertilization occurs, the resulting embryo undergoes several cell divisions within the fallopian tube. Around 4 to 5 days after fertilization, the embryo reaches the blastocyst stage and moves into the uterine cavity for implantation.
Ectopic pregnancy risk:
In some cases, the fertilized egg may implant and start growing in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. This conditions of fallopian tube is also known as an ectopic pregnancy and can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
Structure of Fallopian Tubes
Infundibulum:
- Fallopian tube is also known as, the infundibulum is the funnel-shaped, widest part of each process, located near the ovary and has finger-like projections called fimbriae that extend from its edges.
- The fimbriae sweep over the surface of the ovary during ovulation to capture the released egg and guide it into the fallopian tube.
Ampulla:
- The ampulla is the middle segment of the fallopian tube, located between the infundibulum and the isthmus.
- It is the most common site for fertilization to occur when a sperm meets the egg.
Isthmus:
- The isthmus is the narrowest part of the fallopian tube, located closest to the uterus.
- It is a short section that connects the ampulla to the uterine cavity.
Uterine part or Interstitial segment:
- Fallopian tube is also known as, this is the portion of the fallopian tube that penetrates into the wall of the uterus.
- It is located within the uterine muscle and provides a connection between the isthmus and the uterine cavity.
Lumen:
- The lumen of the tubes refers to the central hollow space within the tubes through this lumen that the egg, sperm, and early embryo travel during fertilization and early development.
Cilia:
- Fallopian tube is also known as, the inner lining of the fallopian tubes is covered with ciliated cells.
- These tiny hair-like structures have a rhythmic beating motion that helps propel the egg and embryo through the tubes toward the uterus.
Specific Location of Fallopian Tube:
Starting point:
The fallopian tube is also known as originate near the upper corners of the uterus.
Pathway:
From their starting point, the fallopian tubes extend outward and curve slightly around the ovaries, which are also located on each side of the pelvis.
Fimbriae and infundibulum:
The distal end of each fallopian tube widens into a funnel-shaped structure called the infundibulum. The infundibulum has finger-like projections called fimbriae, which sweep over the surface of the ovary. During ovulation to capture the released egg and guide it into the fallopian tube.
Connection to the uterus:
The fallopian tubes are connected to the uterus through a small opening called the uterotubal junction.
Connection to the ovaries:
While the fallopian tubes are close to the ovaries, they do not physically attach to them. The fimbriae help “scoop up” the egg from the ovary after ovulation and bring it into the fallopian tube. Fallopian tube is also known as fallopian parts. In our Create fertility clinic, our specialists can easily clear the blockages of the fallopian tubes.
