Fallopian tube
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2008-06-09T19:34:29Z
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{{Infobox Anatomy |
Name = Fallopian tube |
Latin = tuba uterina |
GraySubject = 267 |
GrayPage = 1257 |
Image = Scheme_female_reproductive_system-en.svg |
Caption = Schematic frontal view of female anatomy |
Image2 = Gray589.png |
Caption2 = Vessels of the uterus and its appendages, rear view. (Fallopian tubes visible at top right and top left.) |
System = |
Precursor = [[Müllerian duct]] |
Artery = [[tubal branches of ovarian artery]], [[tubal branch of uterine artery]] |
Vein = |
Nerve = |
Lymph = [[lumbar lymph nodes]] |
MeshName = Fallopian+Tubes |
MeshNumber = A05.360.319.114.373 |
DorlandsPre = t_21 |
DorlandsSuf = 12827008 |
}}
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 [[mammal]]s into the [[uterus]].
== Anatomy ==
There are two Fallopian tubes, attached to either side of the [[cornual]] end of the uterus at the [[axilla of Welch]]. Each terminates at or near one ovary forming a structure called the [[Fimbria (female reproductive system)|fimbria]].
The Fallopian tubes are not directly attached to the ovaries, but open into the [[peritoneum|peritoneal cavity]] (essentially the inside of the abdomen); they thus form a direct communication between the peritoneal cavity and the outside via the vagina.
In [[human]]s, the Fallopian tubes are about 7–14 cm long.
If a Fallopian Tube is missing from the pair, then the other fallopian tube that is functional could still be a way of carrying an egg down to the uterus.
=== Regions ===
There are four regions of the fallopian tube from the ovary to the uterus:<ref>{{SUNYAnatomyLabs|43|04|01|01}} - "The Female Pelvis: The Oviduct"</ref>
* [[Infundibulum of uterine tube|Infundibulum]] - contains [[Fimbria (female reproductive system)|fimbria]]
* [[Ampulla of uterine tube|Ampulla]] - usual site of fertilization
* [[Isthmus of uterine tube|Isthmus]]
* Intramural oviduct - inside wall of uterus
=== Histology ===
[[Image:Fallopian tube (lamina propoia).JPG|thumb||right|150px|Layers of the wall of the fallopian tube.]]
There are three layers of the fallopian tube:<ref>{{USCHistology|rep/c_27}}</ref>
* [[Mucosa]] - the distinctive folds of the mucosa are the most unusual feature. The folds contain [[ciliated]] cells and "peg cells".<ref>{{USCHistology|rep/c_31}}</ref><ref>[http://www3.umdnj.edu/histsweb/lab17/lab17oviduct.html Oviduct<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The region of the fallopian tube can be approximated by looking at the mucosa, because the folds are most elaborate at the ampulla and almost nonexistent at the intramural portion.
* [[Muscularis externa]]
* [[Serosa]]
=== Motility ===
The Fallopian tubes are mobile, and have been observed on [[time-lapse]] videography moving about the pelvis.
Although anatomical illustrations have them proceeding from the [[uterine horns]] to the ovary, this is not the case for most of the [[menstrual cycle]], and a tube may cross to the other side or lie on top of the uterus.
== Function in fertilization ==
When an [[ovum]] is developing in an ovary, it is encapsulated in a sac known as an [[ovarian follicle]].
On maturity of the ovum, the follicle and the ovary's wall rupture, allowing the ovum to escape and enter the Fallopian tube. There it travels toward the [[uterus]], pushed along by movements of [[cilia]] on the inner lining of the tubes. This trip takes hours or days. If the ovum is [[fertilisation|fertilized]] while in the Fallopian tube, then it normally implants in the [[endometrium]] when it reaches the uterus, which signals the beginning of [[pregnancy]].
Occasionally the embryo implants into the Fallopian tube instead of the [[uterus]], creating an [[ectopic pregnancy]], commonly known as a "tubal pregnancy".
== Embryology and homology ==
The Fallopian tubes are ''not'' [[homology (biology)|homologous]] to the [[vas deferens]] or any other structure in males.
[[Embryo]]s have ''two'' pairs of ducts to let [[gamete]]s out of the body; one pair (the [[Müllerian duct]]s) develops in females into the Fallopian tubes, uterus and [[vagina]], while the other pair (the [[Wolffian duct]]s) develops in males into the [[epididymis]] and vas deferens.
Normally, only one of the pairs of tubes will develop while the other regresses and disappears ''in the utero''.
== Pathology ==
[[Pelvic inflammatory disease]] can strike the fallopian tubes. This might cause a [[Fallopian tube obstruction]]. Furthermore cancer can arise from the [[epithelial]] lining of the Fallopian tube. This cancer is sometimes misdiagnosed as ovarian cancer <ref> http://www.iarc.fr/WHO-BlueBooks/</ref>. However, treatment of both ovarian and Fallopian tube cancer is similar.
=== Surgery ===
The surgical removal of a Fallopian tube is called a [[salpingectomy]]. To remove both sides is a bilateral salpingectomy. An operation that combines the removal of a Fallopian tube with removal of at least one ovary is a [[salpingo-oophorectomy]]. An operation to restore a fallopian tube obstruction is called a [[tuboplasty]].
== Etymology and nomenclature ==
They are named after their discoverer, the [[16th century]] [[Italy|Italian]] anatomist, [[Gabriele Falloppio]].
Though the name 'Fallopian tube' is eponymous, some texts spell it with a lower case 'f' from the assumption that the adjective 'fallopian' has been absorbed into modern English as the de facto name for the structure.
The [[Ancient Greek|Greek]] word [[salpinx]] (σαλπιγξ) means "[[trumpet]]".
== Additional images ==
<gallery>
Image:Gray34.png|Sectional plan of the gravid uterus in the third and fourth month.
Image:Gray1108.png|Broad ligament of adult, showing epoöphoron.
Image:Gray1161.png|Uterus and right broad ligament,, seen from behind.
Image:Gray1165.png|pelvis and its contents, seen from above and in front.
Image:Gray1167.svg|Posterior half of uterus and upper part of vagina.
Image:Gray1170.png|The arteries of the internal organs of generation of the female, seen from behind.
Image:Illu cervix.jpg|Uterus and uterine tubes.
Image:Female anatomy.png|Female internal reproductive anatomy.
Image:Oviduct-histo.jpg|Histology
</gallery>
Image:Gray1165.png|pelvis and its contents, seen from side view
== See also ==
* [[Pelvic inflammatory disease]]
* [[Menstrual cycle]]
== References ==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
* {{eMedicineDictionary|uterine+tube}}
* {{BUHistology|18501loa}}
{{Female reproductive system}}
[[Category:Female reproductive system]]
[[Category:Gynecology]]
[[Category:Pelvis]]
[[ar:قناة فالوب]]
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[[br:Trompilhoù Fallopia]]
[[bg:Маточна тръба]]
[[ca:Trompa de Fal·lopi]]
[[cs:Vejcovod]]
[[cy:Tiwbiau Ffalopaidd]]
[[da:Æggeleder]]
[[de:Eileiter]]
[[dv:ބިސް ދަތުރުކުރާ ހޮޅި]]
[[es:Trompa de Falopio]]
[[eo:Salpingo]]
[[fr:Trompes de Fallope]]
[[hr:Jajovod]]
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[[he:חצוצרה (איבר)]]
[[lt:Kiaušintakis]]
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[[nl:Eileider]]
[[ja:輸卵管]]
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[[pl:Jajowód]]
[[pt:Trompas de Falópio]]
[[ru:Фаллопиевы трубы]]
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[[fi:Munanjohdin]]
[[sv:Äggledare]]
[[ta:பாலோப்பியன் குழாய்]]
[[te:ఫెలోపియన్ నాళాలు]]
[[zh:输卵管]]