Fallopian tube
| Fallopian tubes | |
|---|---|
 Schematic frontal view of female anatomy | |
 Cross-section of Fallopian tube, stained and viewed under microscope | |
| Details | |
| System | Reproductive system |
| Artery | tubal branches of ovarian artery, tubal branch of uterine artery via mesosalpinx |
| Lymph | lumbar lymph nodes |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | Tuba uterina |
| Greek | Salpinx |
| MeSH | D005187 |
| TA | A09.1.02.001 |
| FMA | 18245 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
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]
Origin[change | change source]
They are named after the 16th century Italian anatomist, Gabriele Falloppio. The Greek word salpinx (σαλπιγξ) means "trumpet".
Anatomy[change | change source]
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.
Parts[change | change source]
There are four parts of the fallopian tube from the ovary to the uterus:[2]
- Infundibulum
- Ampulla - where the ovum is fertilized
- Isthmus
Layers[change | change source]
.JPG)
The fallopian tube is made of three layers:[3]
- Mucosa - these are folded walls with ciliated cells along them.[4]
- Muscularis externa
- Serosa
Movement[change | change source]
The Fallopian tubes can move around the pelvis.
Fertilization[change | change source]
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.
Related pages[change | change source]
References[change | change source]
- ↑ Williams, J (2018). Williams obstetrics. New York: McGraw-Hill Education Medical. p. 52. ISBN 9781259644320.
- ↑ SUNY Labs 43:04-0101 - "The Female Pelvis: The Oviduct"
- ↑ Fallopian tube
- ↑ "Oviduct". Archived from the original on 2008-05-17. Retrieved 2008-08-23.
| Female anatomy | Female reproductive system – Breasts – Cervix – Clitoris – Clitoral hood – Fallopian tubes – Bartholin's glands – Gräfenberg spot (G-spot) – Hymen – Labia – Ovaries – Skene's glands – Urethra – Uterus – Vagina – Vulva |  |
|---|---|---|
| Female physiology | ||
| Male anatomy | Male reproductive system – Bulbourethral glands – Corpus cavernosum – Ejaculatory ducts – Epididymis – Foreskin – Frenulum – Glans penis – Penis – Prostate – Rete testis – Scrotum – Seminal vesicles – Seminiferous tubules – Sertoli cell – Spermatic cord – Testicles (testes) – Urethra – Vasa deferentia | |
| Male physiology | ||
Anatomy is the study of the parts of the body • Physiology is the study of how the body works | ||