Fallopian tubes structure and functions. The fallopian tubes

Fallopian tubes in the structure of female infertility

Fallopian tube (tuba uterina)
- a paired, tubular-shaped organ with a lumen, originating from the angle of the uterus.

Fallopian tube anatomy

The fallopian tube starts from the lateral edge of the uterus in the area of ​​its fundus (the angle of the uterus), passes through the upper part of the broad ligament of the uterus to the ovaries. One end of the fallopian tube opens into the uterus (uterine opening), the other into the abdominal cavity (abdominal opening). In the fallopian tube there are:

  • interstitial region (in the thickness of the uterine wall)
  • isthmus (middle section)
  • ampulla (a section gradually increasing in diameter, following the isthmus outward)
  • funnel with pipe fringes
The length of the fallopian tube is 10-12 cm, the width of the lumen is 0.5-1 mm, the isthmus is 3 mm, the ampoules are 6-10 mm.

The structure of the wall of the fallopian tube

The wall of the fallopian tube consists of mucous, muscular and serous membranes. The mucous membrane forms longitudinal folds and is represented by a single-layer cylindrical ciliated epithelium, with the inclusion of secretory cells. The muscular coat is represented by circular and longitudinal layers of smooth muscle cells. The serous membrane covers the outside of the fallopian tube. The fallopian tubes have an extensive neurovascular network. The vascular network is formed by branches from the main uterine and ovarian arteries; the venous network connects to the utero-ovarian, cystic and other plexuses of the pelvis. Innervation is carried out by branches of the pelvic and ovarian plexuses.

Physiology of the fallopian tube

The muscular layers of smooth muscle cells provide the possibility of successive contractions of the lumen of the fallopian tube, called peristaltic directed (from the ampulla of the fallopian tube to the uterus) movements. Peristaltic activity increases at the time of ovulation and at the beginning of the luteal phase menstrual cycle. The flickering movements of the epithelial cilia have the same direction. During the preovulatory period, blood flow to the veins of the funnel of the fallopian tubes and fimbria increases, which causes their swelling, bringing them closer to the ovary at the time of ovulation. The production of secretory epithelial cells ensures the constancy of the internal environment in the lumen of the fallopian tube, ensuring normal sperm activity, the viability of the egg and the early embryo.

Physiological functions of the fallopian tubes

  • Capture of the egg by fimbriae into the funnel from the ovulating follicle
  • Capacitation of the egg
  • Ensuring the transport of sperm from the uterine cavity to the site of fertilization of the egg (ampullary section of the fallopian tube)
  • Sperm capacitation
  • Ensuring the fertilization process
  • Ensuring the development of a preimplantation embryo
  • Transport of the embryo into the uterine cavity through directed peristaltic contractions and activity of the cilia of the ciliated epithelium
Accordingly, the concept of fallopian tube pathology is obviously much broader than a simple anatomical change in the organ (obstruction, hydrosalpinx); tubal anomalies must also include changes in the fallopian tube that affect its relationship with the ovary, transport of the egg, sperm, embryo, violation of the adequacy of the secretory and transport function, which should ensure the act of fertilization and the development process of the early embryo.

The causes of damage to the fallopian tube are trivial:

  • Inflammatory changes due to the activity of a more (chlamydia, gonococcus) or less (the entire spectrum of opportunistic flora, mycobacterium) specific microorganism. The fallopian tube may also be involved in a site of infection of non-gynecological origin, such as appendicitis.
  • Inflammatory changes of non-infectious origin, as a consequence of the activity of external genital endometriosis.
  • Tubal pregnancy
  • Iatrogenic genesis of fallopian tube damage. For example, patients who want to restore reproductive function after surgical treatment for the purpose of sterilization (intersection of the isthmic section of the fallopian tube).
  • Anomalies in the formation and development of the fallopian tube occur both in isolation and in combination with anomalies in the development of the underlying organs of the reproductive tract.
Prevalence of tubal factor in the structure of infertility

The proportion of patients with tubal infertility factors varies according to different authors, which is largely explained by differences in research approaches. Thus, there is no consensus on the inclusion in statistics of patients with damage to the fallopian tubes with moderate to severe external genital endometriosis, a diagnosis that accompanies an independent impact on a woman’s fertility. In addition, it has been noted that the frequency of damage to the fallopian tubes due to infection is socially determined, as it has noticeable fluctuations in different socio-economic regions. Summarizing the data, we can summarize that the prevalence of tubal-peritoneal infertility varies from 20 to 30%, positioning it as the leading or one of the leading reasons for visiting a reproductologist.
It was noted that the percentage of patients with tubal factors tends to increase from primary to highly specialized medical care, which is easily explained by the persistence of the contraceptive effect and the difficulty of correcting the cause, without involving the capabilities of assisted reproduction technologies.

Methods for diagnosing fallopian tube pathology

  • Manipulative laparoscopy with chromohydrotubation.
  • Transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy (Fertiloscopy)
  • X-ray Hysterosalpingography
  • Ultrasound Hysterosalpingography

Manipulative laparoscopy


Advantages of laparoscopy compared to open microsurgery:

  • reducing the risk of postoperative adhesions formation
  • lower risk of surgical complications
  • shorter hospitalization period.
Laparoscopy allows you to get useful information about the external characteristics of the fallopian tubes: length, shape, color, the presence of areas of narrowing and widening of the lumen, characteristics of surrounding organs (for example, the uterus, ovaries), peritoneum, the presence and severity of adhesive lumen and external genital endometriosis. The ability to assess the patency of the fallopian tubes by introducing contrast expands the diagnostic capabilities of the manipulation, also making it possible to assess the rigidity of the wall, areas of expansion and narrowing of the lumen of the fallopian tube.
However, the main advantage of laparoscopy over other diagnostic methods is its operational capabilities. As part of a diagnostic study, the surgeon is able to correct a wide range of identified pathologies, from dissection of tender adhesions and coagulation of single foci of external genital endometriosis, to sanitary tubectomy in the case of gross pathology of the fallopian tube, as a stage of preparation for in vitro fertilization.

Minuses:
  1. Invasiveness entailing surgical risks
  2. Objective high cost
  3. The need for short hospitalization and temporary disability
  4. The need for intubation anesthesia

Transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy (fertiloscopy)


It differs from the classic endoscopic examination of the pelvic organs by laparoscopy in that access to the lower floor of the abdominal cavity - the pelvis - is made not through incisions on the anterior abdominal wall, but through the posterior vaginal fornix (a small incision behind the cervix). Working space is organized by injecting a small amount of liquid, instead of gas, in which the internal reproductive organs (uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes) are comfortably examined. Within the framework of fertiloscopy, it also remains possible to assess the patency of the fallopian tubes and carry out minor corrective interventions, since fertiloscopes have a channel for inserting one instrument, similar to hysteroscopes.

  1. Comparable diagnostic capabilities within the framework of fallopian tube pathology
  2. Less invasive
  3. No need for hospitalization
  4. Intravenous short-term pain relief is sufficient
  1. Biased high cost, comparable in cost to laparoscopy
  2. Limited diagnostic capabilities that allow reliably assessing only small area in the volume of the small pelvis.
  3. Extremely low operational capabilities. In practice, the next step is often that the operator is forced to recommend surgical laparoscopy to the patient. therapeutic purpose, which further delays the examination stage, organizing it in an unfriendly manner towards the patient.
X-ray hysterosalpingography


An indirect visualization method based on the assessment of the fallopian tubes by the shape of their lumen when tightly filled with a special solution that blocks ionizing radiation with greater resistance than the surrounding ones soft fabrics.

Pros regarding laparoscopy

  1. Less invasive, not requiring hospitalization, but insisting on adequate pain relief
  2. Lower cost
Disadvantages regarding laparoscopy:
  1. Less diagnostic capabilities. The weak point of the technique remains the false result of obstruction of the fallopian tube; in addition, in controversial cases it is often not possible to make a truly objective conclusion about the integrity of the organ, the presence of adhesions or other pathological process.

Ultrasound contrast hysterosalpingography


Proposed as an alternative to x-ray examination, eliminating negative effect ionizing radiation. The essence of the technique is ultrasound control of the emptying of the tightly filled uterine cavity with a special echogenic contrast fluid through the fallopian tubes into the abdominal cavity. The appearance of echogenic fluid in the pelvic cavity is considered a positive criterion for the physical patency of the fallopian tube

Pros regarding laparoscopy

  1. No invasiveness, no specific complications, no need for pain relief and hospitalization
  2. Lower cost
Disadvantages regarding laparoscopy:
  1. Insignificant diagnostic capabilities. In practice, the researcher does not receive valuable information not only about the color, shape, areas of narrowing and expansion of the lumen of the fallopian tube, but also the fact of the viability of one of the fallopian tubes in general, forming a conclusion such as: “patency of at least one fallopian tube”
  2. Lack of any corrective options
Summary table of evaluation of research methods:

Analyzing the available diagnostic capabilities in combination, it becomes clear that not a single method claims to be the “gold standard” when assessing the condition of the fallopian tubes, since it always has significant drawbacks that limit its universal use. In addressing a specific clinical situation, the practicing doctor has to make an important decision, prioritizing between invasiveness, cost, diagnostic and surgical capabilities. At the same time, for patients who potentially need to expand the diagnostic stage, laparoscopy is recommended, which allows for extensive interventions. For the opposite group of patients (without a specific history or complaints), preference is given to X-ray hysterosalpingography, which is characterized by relatively adequate reliability and low cost.

Additional indirect tests:

As an additional, less important auxiliary diagnostic technique, it is also worth noting a serological analysis to detect immunoglobulins A, G, M to chlamydia, the presence of which may also indicate inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs.

Approaches to the treatment of fallopian tube pathology

Data is provided that since the introduction of laparoscopic microsurgery into practice, the pregnancy rate in patients with tubo-peritoneal factor infertility has doubled. However, to date, the development of assisted reproduction technologies, their effectiveness in patients with tubal factor infertility in conditions of the generally low effectiveness of other therapeutic and surgical approaches in this category of patients, treatment and diagnostic algorithms have been revised.
In general, the treatment tactics for tubal pathology depend on the state of the reproductive function of the applying couple. Corrective surgery is recommended only if a high spontaneous pregnancy rate is expected. Otherwise (for example, in conditions of reduced fertility of the partner), surgical treatment is recommended only for the purpose of sanitation (tubectomy for hydrosalpinx) or correction of combined pathology (for example, manifestations of external genital endometriosis), if such a need arises.
It has been noted that in patients with hydrosalpinx, the effectiveness of IVF is significantly lower than in patients without hydrosalpinx, therefore this pathology stands out in the general pathology of the fallopian tubes. Hydrosalpinx (“hydro”-water, “salpinx”-pipe) literally translated as a pipe filled with water. It is interesting, but there is no consensus on the mechanism of the pathological influence of hydrosalpinx during in vitro fertilization, so an embryotoxic theory is proposed, which states that the fluid accumulating inside the tube during hydrosalpinx is toxic to gametes and the developing embryo; according to another theory, due to the pathological influence of fluid from the hydrosalpinx, the process is disrupted implantation or even the pre-implantation embryo is washed away. The diagnosis of hydrosalpinx is similar to the diagnosis of general tubal pathology, but in this case the sensitivity and specificity of transvaginal ultrasound is higher than for other tubal pathologies. The results of a meta-analysis comparing IVF after salpingectomy and without previous surgical treatment indicate in favor of surgery to remove the altered fallopian tube (the most high level evidence).

(fallopian tube) - a paired organ that serves to carry the egg from the ovary (from the peritoneal cavity) into the uterine cavity. The fallopian tubes are located in the pelvic cavity and are cylindrical ducts running from the uterus to the ovaries. Each tube lies in the upper edge of the broad ligament of the uterus, the part of which, bounded above by the fallopian tube and below by the ovary, is like the mesentery of the fallopian tube. the length of the fallopian tube is 10-12 cm, the lumen of the tube ranges from 2 to 4 mm. The lumen of the fallopian tube on one side communicates with the uterine cavity through a very narrow uterine opening, on the other side it opens with an abdominal opening into the peritoneal cavity, near the ovary. Thus, in a woman, the peritoneal cavity, the lumen of the fallopian tubes, the uterine cavity and the vagina communicate with the external environment.

The fallopian tube initially has a horizontal position, then, having reached the wall of the small pelvis, it bends around the ovary at its tubal end and ends at its medial surface. The fallopian tube has the following parts: the uterine part, which is enclosed in the thickness of the uterine wall. Next comes the part closest to the uterus - the isthmus of the fallopian tube. This is the narrowest and at the same time the thickest part of the fallopian tube, which is located between the leaves of the broad ligament of the uterus. The next part on the isthmus is the ampulla of the fallopian tube, which accounts for almost half the length of the entire fallopian tube. The ampullary part gradually increases in diameter and passes into the next part - the funnel of the fallopian tube, which ends in long and narrow fimbriae of the tube. One fimbria willow differs from the others in being longer. It reaches the ovary and often grows onto it - this is the so-called ovarian fimbria. The fimbriae of the tube direct the movement of the egg towards the funnel of the fallopian tube. At the bottom of the funnel there is an abdominal opening of the fallopian tube, through which the egg released from the ovary enters the lumen of the fallopian tube.

The structure of the wall of the fallopian tube

The wall of the fallopian tube is externally represented by a serous membrane, under which there is a subserosal base. The next layer of the wall of the fallopian tube is formed by the muscular membrane, which continues into the muscles of the uterus and consists of two layers. The outer layer is formed by longitudinally arranged bundles of smooth muscle (non-striated) cells. The inner layer, thicker, consists of circularly oriented bundles of muscle cells. Under the muscular layer there is a mucous membrane that forms longitudinal tubal folds along the entire length of the fallopian tube. Closer to the abdominal opening of the fallopian tube, the mucous membrane becomes thicker and has more folds. They are especially numerous in the funnel of the fallopian tube. The mucous membrane is covered with epithelium, the cilia of which oscillate towards the uterus.

Vessels and nerves of the fallopian tubes

The blood supply to the fallopian tube comes from two sources: the tubal branch of the uterine artery and a branch from the ovarian artery. Venous blood from the fallopian tube flows through the veins of the same name into the uterine venous plexus. The lymphatic vessels of the tube drain into the lumbar lymph nodes. Innervation of the fallopian tubes occurs in the ovarian and utero-vaginal plexuses.

On an x-ray, the fallopian tubes look like long and narrow shadows, expanded in the area of ​​the ampullary part.

One of the most important organs in a woman's reproductive system is the fallopian tubes. It is with their help that you can count on increased chances of conceiving a baby and successfully consolidating the embryo.

Description of the organ

If there is an obstruction, the natural function of the fallopian tubes cannot occur. The egg remains in the wrong place for a short time, after which it dies. In addition, there is a risk of developing an ectopic pregnancy.

Where are a woman's tubes located? In each case, the woman's uterine tube serves to connect the uterine cavity to the ovary. The organ is located on both sides. This location should contribute to the full functioning of the reproductive system for conceiving a baby.

The location of the fallopian tube contributes to the successful performance of the main function, which is to carry a mature egg after ovulation for the subsequent proper development of the fetus.

How do fallopian tubes work? The organ consists of several membranes, each of which has a certain level of functionality. The most important roles are played by the mucous membrane and muscles.

At the same time, the first of them has special movable cilia necessary for pushing the egg through with the possibility of subsequent proper development of the fetus. The muscle membrane contracts under the influence of hormones and nerve impulses, as a result of which the chances of conception increase significantly.

Causes of reproductive disorders

One of the pathologies is the expansion of the fallopian tube. This disease is called hydrosalpinx. In most cases, the reasons why the fallopian tube is dilated are associated with the accumulation of fluid, the development of the inflammatory process and poor circulation.

Why is the fallopian tube dilated?

  • simple and follicular hydrosalpinx;
  • salpingitis;
  • enlarged isthmus of the fallopian tube.

Simple hydrosalpinx. In this case, the increase in the size of the tube in women occurs only in one cavity. Despite the mildness of the disease, the risks of complications become maximum and treatment still becomes mandatory.

Follicular hydrosalpinx. It is assumed that the lumen is divided into several cavities, each of which is filled with liquid.

Salpingitis. The inflammatory process is complicated by negative influence several types of sexually transmitted infections. Acute form disease leads to an increase in general temperature, pronounced pain in the area of ​​intimate organs. Chronic disease leads to the fact that the size of the fallopian tubes decreases and there is a serious risk of ectopic pregnancy or diagnosing infertility.

Enlarged isthmus of the fallopian tube also indicates an inflammatory process. Initially, this part of the organ has a very narrow diameter (up to 4 millimeters) and a length of up to 20 millimeters.

Violation of dimensions indicates the need for diagnostics and initiation of a treatment course. Pathological changes can only be detected through examinations by doctors.

Reproductive system capabilities

It is imperative to know the functions of the fallopian tubes in women, since understanding the capabilities of the organ contributes to the correct diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment.

The main task is to create a favorable environment for sperm and eggs in order to fertilize the female body and secure the fetus in the uterine cavity. In some cases, the latter function does not work due to the blocking of the progress path. After this, the fertilized egg begins its development in the wall of the tube, as a result of which the woman experiences an ectopic pregnancy.

After ovulation, the fertilized egg should gradually move to the uterus and attach to the correct area. This is facilitated by the movements of the cilia that line the mucous membrane.

Muscle contractions are also required to push the fetus into the uterus. This process requires 5 – 6 days.

How many fallopian tubes does a woman have? The reproductive system of each girl works only according to a certain mechanism. In this regard, the two fallopian tubes must function correctly and without failure. Otherwise, there is a serious risk even during conception.

Diagnostic features

The mandatory task of every woman is to carry out diagnostic measures. The main problem during pregnancy is obstruction. In this regard, care must be taken to carry out examinations if violations are suspected.

Lack of patency may be due to natural or purposeful reasons. In the first case, the pathology develops due to factors beyond the control of the woman, in the second case, the patency is disrupted by special intervention to prevent conception.

If the tubes are not passable in the isthmic region, treatment will not be effective and IVF becomes the only chance for motherhood. Moreover, if the intramural section of the fallopian tube is subjected to formed adhesions, the woman is diagnosed with infertility.

Only if the mouths of the fallopian tubes are visualized, the possibility of giving birth to a child remains.

The following disorders can lead to an ectopic pregnancy:

  • adhesions;
  • kinks;
  • narrowing.

If the mouths of the fallopian tubes are free, this means the possibility of conception with further correct development of the fetus. If the fallopian tubes are not visualized, this means that the girl is experiencing pathological processes and additional intervention is required.

Intimate diseases

Any inflammation of the fallopian tubes requires diagnostic measures. Correct positioning diagnosis is the basis for an effective treatment course.

Sexually transmitted diseases. These diseases are the most common cause of obstruction. Bacteria and viruses lead to the development of pathological processes. For example, in acute inflammation, the lumen closes due to swelling, in chronic inflammation, due to scar formation.

Uterine polyps are benign neoplasms. Their base is located in the body cavity or in the cervical canal. However, large polyps are dangerous, so even such diseases of the fallopian tubes in women require medical intervention.

Mechanical damage are the result of medical or diagnostic procedures. These problems may occur even after use intrauterine contraception(primarily spirals).

Treatment in the 21st century folk remedies not always effective. The help of experienced doctors allows us to determine the cause of tubal obstruction to prevent the pathological process.

Establishing the correct diagnosis determines the possibilities effective treatment and the use of modern techniques to fertilize a girl who dreams of becoming a mother.

Uterine(another term is fallopian) pipes- these are two very thin tubes with a lining layer of ciliated epithelium, going from the ovaries of female mammals to the uterus through the utero-tubal anastomosis. In non-mammalian vertebrates, the equivalent structures are the oviducts.


Story

Another name for the fallopian tubes is "fallopian" in honor of their discoverer, the 16th-century Italian anatomist Gabriele Fallopio.

Video about fallopian tubes

Structure

In a woman's body, the fallopian tube allows the egg to travel from the ovary to the uterus. Its various segments (lateral, medial): the infundibulum and associated fimbriae near the ovary, the ampulla-like region which represents the main part of the lateral segment, the isthmus which is the narrower part connecting to the uterus, and the interstitial region (also known as the intramural), which crosses the musculature of the uterus. The uterine orifice is the place where it meets the abdominal cavity, while its uterine opening is the entrance to the uterine cavity, the uterine-tubal anastomosis.

Histology

In a cross-section of the organ, four separate layers can be seen: serous, subserous, lamellar propria and internal mucous layer. The serous layer originates from the visceral peritoneum. The subserous layer is formed by loose outer tissue, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, external longitudinal and internal circular layers of smooth muscle. This layer is responsible for the peristaltic activity of the fallopian tube. The lamellar layer proper is vascular connective tissue. There are two types of cells in the simple columnar epithelium of the fallopian tube (oviduct). Ciliated cells predominate everywhere, but they are most numerous in the funnels and ampoules. Estrogen increases the production of cilia on these cells. Scattered between the ciliated cells are secretory cells that contain apical granules and produce a tubular fluid. This fluid contains nutrients for sperm, eggs and zygotes. The secretions also promote sperm capacitation by removing glycoproteins and other molecules from the sperm plasma membrane. Progesterone increases the number of secretory cells, while estrogen increases their height and secretory activity. The tubular fluid flows against the action of the cilia, that is, towards the fimbrial end.

Due to longitudinal variation in histological features, the isthmus has a thick muscular layer and simple mucous folds, while the ampulla has complex mucous folds.

Development

Embryos have two pairs of canals to admit gametes from the body; one pair (Müllerian ducts) develops into the female fallopian tubes, uterus and vagina, while the other pair (Wolffian ducts) develops into the male epididymis and vas deferens.

Typically, only one pair of these canals will develop, while the other regresses and disappears in the womb.

The homologous organ in men is the vestigial appendix testis.

Function of the fallopian tubes

The main function of these organs is to assist in fertilization, which occurs in the following way. When an oocyte develops in the ovary, it is enclosed in a spherical collection of cells known as a follicle. Just before ovulation, the primary oocyte completes meiosis I phase to form the first polar body and the secondary oocyte, which arrests in meiosis II metaphase. This secondary oocyte is then ovulated. Rupture of the follicle and the ovarian wall allows the release of the secondary oocyte. The secondary oocyte is captured by the fimbriated end and moves into the ampulla of the fallopian tube, where, as a rule, it meets the sperm and fertilization occurs; Stage II of meiosis is completed immediately. The fertilized egg, which has now become a zygote, moves towards the uterus, facilitated by the activity of the cilia and muscles of the uterus. After about five days, the new embryo enters the uterine cavity and is implanted into the uterine wall on the 6th day.

The release of the egg does not alternate between the two ovaries and appears to be random. If one of the ovaries is removed, the remaining one produces an egg every month.

Sometimes the embryo implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus, creating an ectopic pregnancy, commonly known as a “tubal pregnancy.”

Clinical significance

Although a complete analysis of tubal function in infertile patients is not possible, great importance has tubal patency testing, since tubal obstruction is the main cause of infertility. Hysterosalpingography, dye laparoscopy, or contrast hysterosalpingosonography will demonstrate that the tubes are open. Blowing pipes is a standard procedure for patency testing. During surgery, their condition can be checked by injecting a dye, such as methylene blue, into the uterine cavity and seeing it pass through the tubes when the cervix is ​​blocked. Because tubal disease is often associated with chlamydial infection, testing for antibodies to Chlamydia has become a cost-effective form of screening for pathologies of these organs.

Inflammation

Salpingitis is a disease of the fallopian tubes accompanied by inflammation, which can occur independently or be integral part inflammatory disease of the pelvic organs. Saccular expansion of the fallopian tube in its narrow part, due to inflammation, is known as adenosalpingitis. Like pelvic inflammatory disease and endometriosis, it can lead to obstruction of these organs. Obstruction is associated with infertility and ectopic pregnancy.

Fallopian tube cancer, which usually develops in the epithelial lining of the fallopian tube, has historically been considered a very rare malignancy. Recent evidence suggests that it is likely to be largely what was classified in the past as ovarian cancer. While this problem may be misdiagnosed as ovarian cancer, it is not particularly significant since ovarian and fallopian tube cancers are treated in the same way.

Surgery

A salpingectomy is an operation to remove the fallopian tube. If removal occurs on both sides, it is called a bilateral salpingectomy. An operation that combines the removal of an organ with the removal of at least one ovary is called a salpingo-oophorectomy. Surgery to correct the obstruction is called a fallopian tubeplasty.

The female genital area is quite fragile, and from the slightest violation various pathological processes arise in it, which can lead to infertility - the big problem. Often this condition occurs due to problems in the fallopian tubes. In order to understand what processes occur here, you need to know their structure.

The structure of the fallopian tube

The fallopian tubes consist of four sections along their entire length. They extend to the sides of the body of the uterus almost horizontally and end in an expanded fringed part, which is called the funnel. These widest parts of the tube are located in close proximity to the ovary, in which it is born and comes out on a certain day of the menstrual cycle to meet

The tubes end in the uterine part, where they pass into this muscular organ. The walls of the tubes differ in their structure - the outer layer is the serous membrane (peritoneum), the middle one consists of a longitudinal and circular layer of muscles, and the inner one is the mucous membrane, collected in grooves and covered with ciliated epithelium, with the help of which the egg moves into the uterine cavity.

Fallopian tube size

The fallopian tubes, despite their important function, have very little small sizes. The length of one is from 10 to 12 cm, and the width (or rather diameter) is only 0.5 cm. If a woman has any disease of the fallopian tubes, then there may be a slight increase in diameter due to swelling or inflammation.

Function of the fallopian tubes

We now know what the fallopian tubes look like, but what exactly are their tasks? female body? As mentioned earlier, the egg, leaving the ovary during ovulation, is captured by the villi of the funnel of the tube and gradually moves along its canal towards the uterus.

On one of the segments of the path, the egg cell favorable conditions meets the sperm and conception occurs, that is, the birth of a new life. Next, thanks to the lining internal villous epithelium, the fertilized egg moves into the uterine cavity, where, after 5–7 days of travel, it is implanted into its muscular layer. This is how the pregnancy begins, which will last 40 weeks.