The uterine (fallopian) tubes are a pair of slender muscular tubes about 10 cm long running from the upper corners of the uterus toward the ovaries. Their fringed outer ends (fimbriae) sweep the released egg into the tube. Fertilisation usually happens in the widest part, the ampulla, and the early embryo is then moved toward the uterus by cilia and muscle waves.
| Location | In the upper free border of the broad ligament (mesosalpinx), from the uterine cornu to the ovary |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Ovarian and uterovaginal plexuses |
| Blood Supply | Tubal branches of the uterine artery; Ovarian artery |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Captures the egg, provides the site of fertilisation and transports the early embryo to the uterus.
Infection, especially from chlamydia or gonorrhoea, can scar the tubes and cause infertility or ectopic pregnancy. A pregnancy implanted in the tube can rupture and bleed heavily, a life-threatening emergency. Tying or removing the tubes is a permanent form of contraception, and many ovarian cancers are now thought to start in the fimbriae.
Implantation of an embryo outside the uterus, most often in the ampulla of the tube, which can rupture and cause internal bleeding.
Infection of the tubes as part of pelvic inflammatory disease, causing pelvic pain, fever and risk of scarring.
A blocked, fluid-filled tube resulting from previous infection, a common cause of infertility.
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