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  • Medical Science

Fallopian tubes

The Fallopian tubes are part of the female reproductive system.

Function of the fallopian tubes

The Fallopian tubes are located between the ovaries and uterus. Their role is to carry ova produced by the ovaries, to the uterus each month. The ova are transported to the uterus along the Fallopian tube for approximately six days, pushed by epithelial cilia. Their progress is determined by movements of the fallopian tube and the mucosa. Fertilisation takes place during this transport process.

Structure of the Fallopian tubes

The Fallopian tubes lie on each side of the uterus. They resemble two horns of a ram ending in a wing and are composed of a single ciliated cylindrical epithelium.

They are formed from the wing towards the uterus by:

  • the wing;
  • the ampulla, where fertilisation takes place;
  • the isthmus;
  • the uterine segment;
  • and the ostium.

The Fallopian tubes are approximately 12 to 15 centimetres long and 1 centimetre in diameter in their narrowest areas, rising to 3 centimetres in diameter in the wings.

They have muscles on their outside, which pull the wings towards the ovary during release of the ovum (to recover the ovum).

The Fallopian tubes are where fertilisation takes place. DR Credits The Fallopian tubes are where fertilisation takes place. DR Credits


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