fallopian tubes

Examples of fallopian tubes in the following topics:

• Female Duct System

  • The Fallopian tubes, or oviducts, connect the ovaries to the uterus.
  • The Fallopian tubes, also known as oviducts, uterine tubes, and salpinges (singular salpinx), are two very fine tubes lined with ciliated epithelia, leading from the ovaries of female mammals into the uterus via the uterotubal junction.
  • The different segments of the fallopian tube are (lateral to medial):
  • There are two types of cells within the simple columnar epithelium of the Fallopian tube.
  • Occasionally, the embryo implants into the Fallopian tube instead of the uterus, creating an ectopic pregnancy.

• Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System

  • The vagina is attached to the uterus through the cervix, while the uterus is attached to the ovaries via the fallopian tubes.
  • At certain intervals, the ovaries release an ovum, which passes through the fallopian tube into the uterus.
  • Approximately every month, a process of oogenesis matures one ovum to be sent down the fallopian tube attached to its ovary in anticipation of fertilization.
  • An anatomically female's internal reproductive organs are the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and ovary.

• Ovarian Cancer

  • Ovarian cancer arises from the epithelial layer of the ovary and in some cases, the fallopian tube.
  • However, some evidence suggests that the fallopian tube could also be the source of some ovarian cancers.
  • Since the ovaries and tubes are closely related to each other, it is thought that these fallopian cancer cells can mimic ovarian cancer.
  • The risk is also lower in women who have had their fallopian tubes blocked surgically (tubal ligation).
  • Removing the ovaries and the fallopian tubes greatly reduces the amount of the hormones estrogen and progesterone circulating in the body.

• Ectopic Pregnancy

  • An ectopic pregnancy is implantation and development of the embryo outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tubes.
  • Most ectopic pregnancies occur in the Fallopian tube (so-called tubal pregnancies), but implantation can also occur in the cervix, ovaries, and abdomen.
  • About 1% of pregnancies are in an ectopic location with implantation not occurring inside of the womb; of these pregnancies, 98% occur in the Fallopian tubes.
  • In a typical ectopic pregnancy, the embryo adheres to the lining of the fallopian tube and burrows into the tubal lining.
  • The advent of methotrexate treatment for ectopic pregnancy has reduced the need for surgery; however, surgical intervention is still required in cases where the Fallopian tube has ruptured or is in danger of doing so.

• Surgical Sterilization

  • Tubal ligation (females): Known popularly as "having one's tubes tied. " The Fallopian tubes (also referred to as oviducts), which allow the sperm to fertilize the ovum and would carry the fertilized ovum to the uterus, are closed.
  • This generally involves a general anesthetic and a laparotomy or laparoscopic approach to cut, clip, or cauterize the fallopian tubes.
  • Vasectomy (male): The vasa deferentia, the tubes which connect the testicles to the prostate, are cut and closed .

• Hysterectomy

  • Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, and may also include removal of the Fallopian tubes, ovaries, and cervix.
  • Removal of the uterus renders the patient unable to bear children (as does removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes) and has surgical risks as well as long-term effects, so the surgery is normally recommended when other treatment options are not available.

• Fertilization

  • The sperm and the egg cell (which has been released from one of the female's two ovaries) unite in one of the two fallopian tubes.

• Infertility

  • Possible problems could be that the egg is not released at the optimum time for fertilization, that it may not enter the fallopian tube, sperm may not be able to reach the egg, fertilization may fail to occur, transport of the zygote may be disturbed, or implantation fails.
  • If the sperm are of good quality and the mechanics of the woman's reproductive structures are good (patent fallopian tubes, no adhesions or scarring), physicians may start by prescribing a course of ovarian stimulating medication.

• Uterus

  • One end, the cervix, opens into the vagina, while the other is connected to one or both fallopian tubes, depending on the species.
  • The reproductive function of the uterus is to accept a fertilized ovum which passes through the utero-tubal junction from the fallopian tube.

• Fifth Through Eighth Weeks of Development

  • The neural tube, which forms the brain, closes.
  • An embryo from an ectopic pregnancy, located in the part of the uterus to which the fallopian tube is attached.