What is the fallopian tube?
The fallopian tube (tuba uterina) is the tubular connection between each ovary and the uterus. It is between ten and fourteen centimeters long and is divided into four sections:
- Pars uterina: the part that passes through the wall of the uterus
- Isthmus tubae: connects to the pars uterina, is three to six centimetres long and relatively narrow
- Ampulla tubae: six to seven centimetres long and the section of the uterine tube with the largest inner diameter
- Infundibulum: the free funnel-shaped end of the ampulla, which is surrounded by fibers (fimbriae); it hangs freely above the ovary, its fibers lie above the posterior surface of the ovary.
The wall of the fallopian tube is made up of several layers from the inside to the outside: mucous membrane with longitudinal folds and ciliated epithelial cells (kinocilia), muscle layer consisting of ring and longitudinal muscle cells, connective tissue layer.
What is the function of the fallopian tube?
In addition, during sexual intercourse the sperm swim from the vagina via the uterus into the uterine tube, where they meet the egg in the ampulla tubae and can fertilize it.
Where is the fallopian tube located?
The right and left fallopian tubes each depart from the uterus at an almost right angle in the upper lateral area of the uterus. The two tubes run along the upper edge of the ligamentum latum, a fold of peritoneum that extends from the uterus to the lateral wall of the pelvis. The free funnel-shaped end of each uterine tube lies over the respective ovary.
What problems can the fallopian tube cause?
Inflammatory diseases in the area of the fallopian tube are usually caused by ascending bacterial infections from the lower genital tract, especially during menstruation, but also after childbirth. The disease processes usually begin with endosalpingitis – an inflammation of the mucous membrane within the tuba uterina (“tubal catarrh”). It can proceed without symptoms and usually heals completely.
Chronic inflammation, which often goes unnoticed without symptoms, can lead to adhesions of the oviduct and the fimbrial funnel or to adhesions. The affected woman may become infertile.
An ectopic or tubal pregnancy (tubal pregnancy) occurs when a fertilized egg is not transported into the uterus but implants itself in the fallopian tube. This situation leads to miscarriage (abortion) within a few weeks of fertilization. There may also be a perforation of the fallopian tube into the abdominal cavity – with bleeding that can be life-threatening.
In very rare cases, a malignant tumor (carcinoma) can form in the fallopian tube.