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Human Body Study

Fallopian Tubes

A pair of thin tubes connecting each ovary to the uterus — also called the uterine tubes or oviducts.

Female reproductive system Front-view schematic showing the mammary glands, ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and the cervix and vagina; each labelled part links to its article. Female reproductive system Mammary glands the breasts, which produce milk after birth. Ovaries produce eggs and the hormones estrogenand progesterone. Fallopian tubes carry the egg toward the uterus; theusual site of fertilization. Uterus the muscular organ where a fertilizedegg implants and a fetus develops. Cervix and vagina the lower passage; the vagina is alsothe birth canal. Female reproductive system — schematic front view, not to scale.

Structure

Section titled “Structure”
  • Fimbriae — finger-like projections at the ovarian end that sweep over the ovary to catch a released egg.
  • Ampulla — the widest section; usually where fertilization occurs.
  • Isthmus — the narrow section opening into the uterus.

What they do

Section titled “What they do”
  • Capture the egg after ovulation.
  • Carry it toward the uterus by waves of cilia and muscular contraction.
  • Host fertilization — sperm meet the egg in the ampulla.

Key idea

Section titled “Key idea”

The fallopian tube is where a new life begins; if its passage is blocked, fertilization or implantation can fail — the basis of much infertility and of ectopic pregnancy.