Fallopian tubes

These delicate tubes play a crucial role in the female reproductive system.

The Fallopian tubes are a pair of slender tubes that extend from the upper corners of the uterus to the ovaries. They are designed to catch and transport the ovum (egg) from the ovary to the uterus and serve as the site for fertilization, where sperm can meet the egg. Each tube measures approximately 10 to 12 centimeters in length.

Terminologia Anatomica

tubae uterinae

System

Reproductive system

Function

The primary function of the Fallopian tubes is to facilitate reproduction. They transport the ovum released during ovulation from the ovaries and serve as the conduit for sperm approaching the egg. The inner lining of the tubes is equipped with tiny hair-like structures called cilia that help propel the sperm and the fertilized egg towards the uterus. If fertilization occurs, the fertilized egg, now called a zygote, begins its journey to the uterus for implantation. Should an egg not encounter sperm, it will be reabsorbed by the body. The functionality of the Fallopian tubes is crucial for natural conception and plays a significant role in the overall reproductive health of women.

Location

Located on either side of the uterus, the Fallopian tubes are positioned just above the ovaries. Each tube extends laterally from the upper lateral portion of the uterus towards the corresponding ovary, forming an arch around the uterus. The tubes can be segmented into four parts: the infundibulum, which is the funnel-shaped opening that is closest to the ovary; the ampulla, which is the widest segment where fertilization typically occurs; the isthmus, a narrow section that connects to the uterus; and the interstitial part, where the tube passes through the uterine wall. Their distinct anatomical location is essential for their function in female reproduction.

Did You Know?

The Fallopian tubes can also be a site for ectopic pregnancies, where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in a tube.
Each month, during ovulation, a woman's ovary releases an egg, and the fimbriae at the end of the Fallopian tube move to help catch it.
In women who have had tubal ligation, the Fallopian tubes are surgically blocked or severed, rendering them infertile.