Updated by: Arabinda Naik
Fallopian tubes are also known as oviducts or uterine ducts, and they are a part of female accessory ducts. There are two oviduct tubes that extend laterally from the uterus. They come out of the periphery of the ovary, and they extend towards the uterus. Fallopian tubes divided into three regions which are as follows:
Fallopian tube is around 10 cm (about 3.94 in) long, muscular, tubular, and ciliated. It lies in the pelvic region, just above the urinary bladder. It is composed of outer serosa, middle muscularis and inner mucosa. Mucosa is made of simple ciliated columnar cells and secretory cells. A viscous liquid is secreted by secretory cells, which provides protection and nourishment to the ovum. Ciliated cells help in the movement of the ovum. Each fallopian tube is divided into infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus, and uterine part.
i. Infundibulum:
This is a broad, funnel shaped proximal part. Finger-like projections arise from this proximal part and are called fimbriae which help in collection of the ovum after ovulation. Infundibulum opens into the body cavity by an aperture called ostium. Ostium lies near the ovary and receives eggs from the ovary with the help of fimbriae.
ii. Ampulla:
It comprises the major portion of the Fallopian tube. It is long, thin walled and wide.
iii. Isthmus:
It is a short, thick walled, ciliated, and narrow straight path.
iv. Uterine Part:
It is a narrow inner part which opens in the upper part of the uterus.
Functions of Fallopian tubes: The fallopian tube conveys the ovum from the ovary to the uterus. Fertilization of the ovum takes place in the upper portion of the fallopian tube.