Fallopian Tubes

The fallopian tubes, also known as the uterine tubes or oviducts, are two thin tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus in the female reproductive system. They are responsible for transporting mature eggs from the ovaries to the uterus for potential fertilization by sperm. The fallopian tubes are located on either side of the uterus and are lined with cilia, microscopic hairs that help move the eggs through the tubes. The fallopian tubes are made up of three distinct regions: the interstitium, the ampulla, and the infundibulum. The interstitium is the narrowest region of the tube, and is responsible for collecting the egg from the ovary. The ampulla is the widest region of the tube, where fertilization usually occurs. The infundibulum is the funnel-shaped opening at the end of the fallopian tube that connects it to the uterus. During ovulation, an egg is released from the ovary and travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus. Fertilization can occur if the egg is fertilized by a sperm while in the fallopian tube. If fertilization does not occur, the egg passes through the uterus and out of the body. The fallopian tubes are important in fertility because they are the site of fertilization, and the condition of the tubes can affect the ability to conceive. Blockages or scarring in the fallopian tubes can prevent the egg from reaching the uterus, resulting in infertility. Additionally, the fallopian tubes may be surgically removed for medical reasons, such as to treat ovarian cancer or endometriosis. This can also affect fertility.