FALLOPIAN TUBE

Fallopian Tube

The Fallopian tube is a muscular, narrow tube that connects the ovary to the uterus in the female reproductive system.

1. Structure

   • The Fallopian tube is approximately 10-12 cm long and 1-2 mm in diameter.
   • It is divided into four sections: the interstitial, isthmus, ampulla, and infundibulum.

2. Development

   • The Fallopian tube develops from the paramesonephric duct during embryonic development.
   • The paramesonephric ducts fuse together during the 5th week of gestation to form the Fallopian tube and the uterus.

3. Blood Supply

   • The Fallopian tube receives its blood supply from the ovarian artery and the uterine artery.
   • The ovarian artery supplies the interstitial and isthmus sections, while the uterine artery supplies the ampulla and infundibulum sections.

4. Nerve Supply

   • The Fallopian tube is innervated by the ovarian plexus and the uterine plexus.
   • The ovarian plexus supplies the interstitial and isthmus sections, while the uterine plexus supplies the ampulla and infundibulum sections.

5. Muscle Action Sequence

   • The Fallopian tube has a muscular layer with smooth muscle fibers that contract and relax to move the ovum towards the uterus.

   → Contractile phase: The smooth muscle fibers contract to push the ovum towards the uterus. → Relaxation phase: The smooth muscle fibers relax to allow the ovum to move freely.

6. Lymph Drainage

   • The Fallopian tube drains its lymph into the pelvic lymph nodes.

7. Function

   • The Fallopian tube is responsible for:
     • Providing a pathway for the ovum to travel from the ovary to the uterus.
     • Supporting fertilization of the ovum by sperm.
     • Transporting the fertilized ovum towards the uterus for implantation. FALLOPIAN TUBE

Describe the morphology of fallopian tube

The fallopian tube is a muscular, narrow, and winding tube that connects the ovary to the uterus. It is divided into four parts:

• Interstitial part: It is the shortest part of the tube that passes through the uterine wall.
• Isthmus: It is the narrowest part of the tube.
• Ampulla: It is the widest part of the tube, which is the site of fertilization.
• Infundibulum: It is the widest and most funnel-shaped part of the tube that receives the ovary.

The fallopian tube has four layers:

• Mucosa: It is the innermost layer that is in contact with the ovum.
• Muscularis: It is the middle layer that is responsible for peristalsis.
• Serosa: It is the outermost layer that covers the tube.
• Basement membrane: It is the layer that separates the mucosa from the muscularis.

The fallopian tube is lined with cilia that help in the movement of the ovum.

Describe the relations of fallopian tube

The fallopian tube is related to the following structures:

• Ovary: The fallopian tube is connected to the ovary by the infundibulum.
• Uterus: The fallopian tube is connected to the uterus by the isthmus.
• Ovarian ligament: It is a fibrous ligament that connects the ovary to the uterus.
• Round ligament: It is a fibromuscular ligament that connects the uterus to the labia majora.
• Broad ligament: It is a fibromuscular ligament that connects the uterus to the pelvic wall.
• Omental bursa: It is a peritoneal cavity that separates the stomach and the small intestine from the liver.

Describe the applied anatomy of fallopian tube

The applied anatomy of the fallopian tube is as follows:

• Laparoscopy: It is a surgical procedure that uses a laparoscope to visualize the internal organs.
• Tubal ligation: It is a surgical procedure that involves cutting and tying the fallopian tube to prevent pregnancy.
• Salpingectomy: It is a surgical procedure that involves removing the fallopian tube.
• Salpingo-oophorectomy: It is a surgical procedure that involves removing the fallopian tube and the ovary.
• Fimbriectomy: It is a surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of the infundibulum.