Female Reproductive System Fallopian Tube: Location, Anatomy, Function, Conditions

The fallopian tubes, also known as oviducts, are the paired tubular accessory sex organs in the female reproductive system. These stretch from the ovaries to the uterus. Each of the fallopian tubes are hollow, muscular organ, and on average, between 10-14 cm in length. It has four parts: the isthmus, ampulla, and infundibulum, with fimbriae attached to it.

This Story also Contains

1. What is the Female Reproductive System?
2. What is the Fallopian tube?
3. Anatomy of the Fallopian Tubes
4. Histology of the Fallopian Tubes
5. Functions of the Fallopian Tubes
6. Common Disorders of the Fallopian Tube
7. Reproductive Technologies Involving The Fallopian Tubes
8. MCQs on Female Reproductive System- Fallopian Tube
9. Recommended Video On 'Female Reproductive System Fallopian Tube'

The fimbriae help in catching the ovum when it is released from the ovary. The tubes have two openings- a proximal opening near the uterus, and a distal opening towards the ovary. They are held in place with the help of the broad ligament mesentery that wraps around the tubes. Fallopian tubes are an important topic in the biology subject.

What is the Female Reproductive System?

The female reproductive system consists of internal and external reproductive organs. It contains ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina all of these play an important role in the production of eggs, their fertilization, and nurturing of the developing fetus.

What is the Fallopian tube?

Fallopian oviducts form a passageway for an ovum from the ovaries to the uterus. They also offer a site for fertilisation; hence, it is necessary for natural conception.

Fallopian tubes have a great role to play in fertility. They capture the released ovum from the ovary, facilitate its transport, and provide the site for fertilisation. Thus, without functional fallopian tubes, natural fertilisation and subsequent pregnancy would be impossible.

Anatomy of the Fallopian Tubes

The fallopian tubes consist of tubular structures extending from the ovaries to the uterus and form an important part of the reproductive process.

Location and Structure

• The fallopian tubes run from the top corners of the uterus out to the ovaries.

• Each tube is about 10-12 cm in length and 1 cm in diameter.

Fimbriae

• Finger-like projections at the end of the tube.

• Helps to transport the ovum into the tube after ovulation.

Infundibulum

• The funnel-shaped segment that guides the ovum into the tube.

Ampulla

• The widest part where sperm typically meet the ovum.

• Contains cilia to aid ovum transport.

Isthmus

• Narrow segment joining the uterus.

• Assists in transporting the fertilised egg to the uterus.

Histology of the Fallopian Tubes

The histological structure of the fallopian tubes supports their function in ovum transport and fertilisation.

• Serosa: Protective outermost layer.

• Muscularis: The smooth muscle that permits peristaltic movements.

• Mucosa: Has cilia for moving the ovum and secretory cells producing nutritious secretions.

Functions of the Fallopian Tubes

The fallopian tubes have several vital functions to perform their reproductive role. They function in catching the ovum and act as a site of fertilisation.

Ovum Transport

• Fimbriae pick up the ovum; cilia and muscle contractions propel it along the tube.

• Coordinated efforts to push the ovum along towards the uterus.

Site of Fertilisation

• Sperm fertilises the ovum in the ampulla.

• They provide the optimal environment for fertilisation.

Common Disorders of the Fallopian Tube

Several disorders and conditions affect the fallopian tubes and can impact fertility and reproductive health more generally.

Ectopic Pregnancy

• Implantation of a fertilised egg outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube.

• Causes include tubal damage; symptoms are sharp pelvic pain and bleeding; treatment often requires surgery.

Salpingitis

• Often caused by infection, characterised by pelvic pain and fever.

• It can be treated with the help of antibiotics.

Tubal Blockage

• Blockages can be caused by scarring or infection; blockages are diagnosed by HSG

• Blockages can prevent sperm from reaching the ovum, leading to infertility.

Endometriosis

• Growth of endometrial tissue on the tubes can cause blockages and scarring, reducing fertility.

Reproductive Technologies Involving The Fallopian Tubes

Many modern reproductive technologies either involve or bypass the fallopian tubes to achieve pregnancy.

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): Ova are fertilised outside the body and are then bypassed through the tubes altogether.

Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT): Sperm and ova are injected directly into the fallopian tubes, where fertilisation happens. The success rates vary.

Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT): The fertilised zygote is placed into the fallopian tube, and then travels to the uterus for implantation.

MCQs on Female Reproductive System- Fallopian Tube

Q1. The part of fallopian tube closest to the ovary is

Option 1: isthmus

Option 2: infundibulum

Option 3: cervix

Option 4: ampulla

Correct answer: (2) Infundibulum

Explanation:

Each fallopian tube is about 10‐12 cm long and extends from the periphery of each ovary to the uterus, the part closer to the ovary is the funnel‐shaped infundibulum. The edges of the infundibulum possess finger‐like projections called fimbriae, which help in the collection of the ovum after ovulation. The infundibulum leads to a wider part of the oviduct called ampulla. The last part of the oviduct, the isthmus has a narrow lumen and it joins the uterus.

Hence, the correct answer is Option (2) Infundibulum

Q2. Match the following with the correct option given below:
1.Infundibulum a.fimbriae present

2. Ampulla b.Narrowest part of oviduct

3. Isthmus c.comprise major part of fallopian tube

Option 1: 1-a 2-c 3-b

Option 2: 1-a 2-b 3-c

Option 3: 1-c 2-a 3-b

Option 4: 1.c.,2.b.,3.a

Correct answer: (1) 1-a 2-c 3-b

Explanation:

1 Infundibulum - Fimbriae present
2. Ampulla - comprises a major part of the fallopian tube
3.Isthmus - Narrowest part

1 Infundibulum - Is a funnel-shaped part of the fallopian tube that has finger-like projection known as the fimbriae.
2. Ampulla - Ampulla is the widest and longest part of the fallopian tube and usually acts as a site of fertilization.
3. Isthmus - It is the narrowest region of the fallopian tube which serves as the passageway for the fertilized egg to reach the uterus.

Hence, the correct option is (a) 1-a 2-c 3-b

Q3. Which of the following is correct about the fallopian tube?

Option 1: Ampulla is the widest part and the isthmus narrowest.

Option 2: Ampulla is narrow and isthmus is wider.

Option 3: Both ampulla and isthmus have same diameter.

Option 4: None of the above.

Correct answer: 1) Ampulla is the widest part and the isthmus narrowest.

Explanation:

• The oviducts (fallopian tubes), uterus and vagina constitute the female accessory ducts.

• Each fallopian tube is about 10-12 cm long and extends from the periphery of each ovary to the uterus.

• The part closer to the ovary is the funnel-shaped infundibulum. The edges of the infundibulum possess finger-like projections called fimbriae, which help in the collection of the ovum after ovulation.

• The infundibulum leads to a wider part of the oviduct called the ampulla.

• The last part of the oviduct, the isthmus has a narrow lumen and it joins the uterus.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 1) The Ampulla is the widest part and the isthmus narrowest.

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