|
|
The fallopian tubes project out from each side of the body of the uterus and form the passages through which the egg is conducted from the ovary into the uterus.
The fallopian tubes are about 10cm long and the outer end of each tube is funnel shaped, ending in long fringes called fimbriae. The fimbriae catch the mature egg and channel it down into the fallopian tube when released by the ovary. The tube itself is a muscular highly movable structure capable of highly coordinated movement.
The egg and sperm meet in the outer half of the fallopian tube called the ampulla. Fertilization occurs here, after which the embryo continues down the tube towards the uterus. The uterine end of the tube, called the isthmus, acts like a sphincter, and prevents the embryo from being released into the uterus for 2- days, so that it enters the uterus at just the right time for implantation.
The tube is much more complex than a simple pipe, and the lining of the tube is folded and lined with microscopic hair like projections called cilia which propel the egg and embryo along the tube. The tubal lining also produces a fluid that nourishes the egg and embryo during its journey in the tube.
Fig 1. Normal tube and ovary, as seen during laparoscopy
© Dr. Aniruddha Malpani and Dr. Anjali Malpani www.drmalpani.com
Credits: How to Have a Baby: Overcoming Infertility
