Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAnatomyFunctionAssociated ConditionsTests
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Anatomy
Function
Associated Conditions
Tests
The fallopian tubes transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. They are important parts of the female reproductive system. Fertilization normally happens in the fallopian tubes.
The fallopian tubes are also known asoviductsoruterine tubes.Medical procedures that block the fallopian tubes can be used as a form of permanent contraception, or sterilization.
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The fallopian tubes are muscular tubes that sit in the lower abdomen/pelvis, alongside the other reproductive organs. There are two tubes, one on each side, that extend from near thetop of the uterus, run laterally and then curve over and around the ovaries. Their shape is similar to an extended J.
The open ends of the fallopian tubes lie very near the ovaries but they are not directly attached. Instead, the fimbriae (Latin for fringe) of the fallopian tubes sweep ovulated eggs into the tubes and towards the uterus.
In an adult, the fallopian tubes are around 10 to 12 centimeters (cm) long, although this can vary substantially from person to person. They are generally considered to consist of four sections:
The fallopian tubes are made up of several layers. The outer layer is a type of membrane known as the serosa. Inside this are layers of muscle, known as the myosalpinx (myo- is a prefix referring to muscle). The number of layers depends on the portion of the tube.
Finally, inside of the fallopian tubes is a deeply folded mucosal surface. This layer also contains cilia. Cilia are hair-like structures. They move to propel the ovulated egg from the ovary towards the uterus. They also help distribute tubal fluid throughout the tube.
Anatomical Variations
This anatomical variation is rare, but not unheard of, affecting 5% to 6% percent of women in some small studies.Therefore, gynecologists may screen for an accessory fallopian tube in women experiencing infertility.
Other variations include extra openings, closed sacs, and functional changes to the fimbria.There are also cases where one or both fallopian tubes fail to develop.
When fertilization occurs, it is generally in the fallopian tubes. The sperm travel from the uterus into the tubes, where they may encounter and fertilize an egg. The fertilized egg then continues its movement towards the uterus. If a fertilized eggimplantsin the uterus, and continues to develop, it becomes a uterine pregnancy.
Successful transport of eggs through the fallopian tubes is necessary for someone to get pregnant without medical intervention. This is whytubal sterilization, which interrupts the function of the tubes, is an effective form of permanent contraception. This is sometimes referred to as getting one’s “tubes tied.”
A few medical conditions are associated with the fallopian tubes. These conditions can impair fertility. Some may also be life-threatening.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is the condition most commonly associated with the fallopian tubes. It occurs when there is a delay in the transport of the fertilized egg towards the uterus.
In such cases, the fertilized egg may implant and cause an ectopic pregnancy inside the tube. There is also a risk of an ectopic pregnancy in an accessory tube.
Ectopic pregnancy can be very dangerous, with a risk of rupture and even death. For this reason, an ectopic pregnancy cannot be safely carried to term. It maybe treatedmedically orsurgically.
Without treatment, ectopic pregnancy can be fatal. It is the second leading cause of pregnancy-related death in the United States. The risk is that the tube may rupture and lead to bleeding and shock.
Salpingitis
Salpingitis refers to an inflammatory disease that leads to the thickening of the tubes. There are two types of salpingitis.
Salpingitis isthmica nodosainvolves formation of nodules inside the isthmus section of the tubes. These nodules make it more difficult for eggs to pass through the tubes and increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. They also reduce fertility. This type of salpingitis is more common in women over 35 and African Americansand doctors do not understand its cause.
Tubal Infertility
Tubal infertility is a generic term that describes when someone is unable to conceive a pregnancy due to issues with their fallopian tubes. It may be due to a number of causes, from congenital abnormalities to infectious complications.
One of the most common causes of tubal factor infertility is complications of chlamydia. Tubal factor infertility is responsible for a large portion of cases of female infertility.Tubal infertility can also be the result of, intentional, tubal sterilization procedures.
Tubal Torsion
Tubal torsion occurs when the fallopian tube gets twisted, possibly affecting its blood supply. Although this usually happens alongside ovarian torsion (twisting of the ovary), it can happen on its own. Left untreated, tubal torsion can affect fertility.
Hydrosalpinx
Cancer
Primary cancer of the fallopian tube is very rare, but can happen. Less than 1 percent of gynecologic cancers are thought to originate in the fallopian tubes.When cancer occurs in the fallopian tubes it is far more likely to be the result ofmetastasisfrom another site, such asovarian cancer, uterine cancer, cervical cancer. Fallopian tube metastases can also occur from non-gynecologic cancers.
Problems with the fallopian tubes can be diagnosed with a few different tests.
Hysterosalpingogram
A hysterosalpingogram is a special type of X-ray used to examine the fallopian tubes. During this test, dye is injected through the cervix. That dye flows through the uterus and into the fallopian tubes. Then an X-ray takes a picture of the dye-filled organs to look for any blockages or problems.
Ideally, the hysterosalpingogram will show that fluid can flow easily through the tubes. If not, this is consistent with a tubal obstruction or occlusion, which can be a factor in fertility. This test is done as an outpatient procedure.
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a type of surgery that can be used to examine the reproductive organs. Small incisions are made and a camera is inserted into the abdomen. This allows the healthcare provider to physically see the outside of the fallopian tubes and whether there appear to be any blockages or damage.
This type of surgery is often referred to as minimally invasive surgery. It has the advantage that if abnormalities are found during the procedure, the doctor may be able to treat them immediately.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Nutu M, Weijdegård B, Thomas P, Thurin-kjellberg A, Billig H, Larsson DG.Distribution and hormonal regulation of membrane progesterone receptors beta and gamma in ciliated epithelial cells of mouse and human fallopian tubes.Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2009;7:89. doi:10.1186/1477-7827-7-89Vanaken GJ, Bassinet L, Boon M, et al.Infertility in an adult cohort with primary ciliary dyskinesia: phenotype-gene association.Eur Respir J. 2017;50(5). doi:10.1183/13993003.00314-2017Gandhi KR, Siddiqui AU, Wabale RN, Daimi SR.The accessory fallopian tube: A rare anomaly.J Hum Reprod Sci. 2012;5(3):293-4. doi:10.4103/0974-1208.106344Han J, Sadiq NM.Anatomy, abdomen and pelvis, fallopian tube. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.Creanga AA, Syverson C, Seed K, Callaghan WM.Pregnancy-related mortality in the United States, 2011-2013.Obstet Gynecol. 2017;130(2):366-373. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002114Bolaji II, Oktaba M, Mohee K, Sze KY.An odyssey through salpingitis isthmica nodosa.Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2015;184:73-9. doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2014.11.014Dun EC, Nezhat CH.Tubal factor infertility: diagnosis and management in the era of assisted reproductive technology.Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2012;39(4):551-66. doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2012.09.006Kalampokas E, Kalampokas T, Tourountous I.Primary fallopian tube carcinoma.Eur J Obstet Gynecol. doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2013.03.023Na K, Kim HS.Clinicopathological characteristics of fallopian tube metastases from primary endometrial, cervical, and nongynecological malignancies: a single institutional experience.Virchows Arch. 2017;471(3):363-373. doi:10.1007/s00428-017-2186-zAdditional ReadingBriceag I, Costache A, Purcarea VL, et al.Fallopian tubes–literature review of anatomy and etiology in female infertility.J Med Life. 2015;8(2):129-31.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Nutu M, Weijdegård B, Thomas P, Thurin-kjellberg A, Billig H, Larsson DG.Distribution and hormonal regulation of membrane progesterone receptors beta and gamma in ciliated epithelial cells of mouse and human fallopian tubes.Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2009;7:89. doi:10.1186/1477-7827-7-89Vanaken GJ, Bassinet L, Boon M, et al.Infertility in an adult cohort with primary ciliary dyskinesia: phenotype-gene association.Eur Respir J. 2017;50(5). doi:10.1183/13993003.00314-2017Gandhi KR, Siddiqui AU, Wabale RN, Daimi SR.The accessory fallopian tube: A rare anomaly.J Hum Reprod Sci. 2012;5(3):293-4. doi:10.4103/0974-1208.106344Han J, Sadiq NM.Anatomy, abdomen and pelvis, fallopian tube. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.Creanga AA, Syverson C, Seed K, Callaghan WM.Pregnancy-related mortality in the United States, 2011-2013.Obstet Gynecol. 2017;130(2):366-373. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002114Bolaji II, Oktaba M, Mohee K, Sze KY.An odyssey through salpingitis isthmica nodosa.Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2015;184:73-9. doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2014.11.014Dun EC, Nezhat CH.Tubal factor infertility: diagnosis and management in the era of assisted reproductive technology.Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2012;39(4):551-66. doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2012.09.006Kalampokas E, Kalampokas T, Tourountous I.Primary fallopian tube carcinoma.Eur J Obstet Gynecol. doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2013.03.023Na K, Kim HS.Clinicopathological characteristics of fallopian tube metastases from primary endometrial, cervical, and nongynecological malignancies: a single institutional experience.Virchows Arch. 2017;471(3):363-373. doi:10.1007/s00428-017-2186-zAdditional ReadingBriceag I, Costache A, Purcarea VL, et al.Fallopian tubes–literature review of anatomy and etiology in female infertility.J Med Life. 2015;8(2):129-31.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Nutu M, Weijdegård B, Thomas P, Thurin-kjellberg A, Billig H, Larsson DG.Distribution and hormonal regulation of membrane progesterone receptors beta and gamma in ciliated epithelial cells of mouse and human fallopian tubes.Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2009;7:89. doi:10.1186/1477-7827-7-89Vanaken GJ, Bassinet L, Boon M, et al.Infertility in an adult cohort with primary ciliary dyskinesia: phenotype-gene association.Eur Respir J. 2017;50(5). doi:10.1183/13993003.00314-2017Gandhi KR, Siddiqui AU, Wabale RN, Daimi SR.The accessory fallopian tube: A rare anomaly.J Hum Reprod Sci. 2012;5(3):293-4. doi:10.4103/0974-1208.106344Han J, Sadiq NM.Anatomy, abdomen and pelvis, fallopian tube. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.Creanga AA, Syverson C, Seed K, Callaghan WM.Pregnancy-related mortality in the United States, 2011-2013.Obstet Gynecol. 2017;130(2):366-373. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002114Bolaji II, Oktaba M, Mohee K, Sze KY.An odyssey through salpingitis isthmica nodosa.Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2015;184:73-9. doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2014.11.014Dun EC, Nezhat CH.Tubal factor infertility: diagnosis and management in the era of assisted reproductive technology.Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2012;39(4):551-66. doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2012.09.006Kalampokas E, Kalampokas T, Tourountous I.Primary fallopian tube carcinoma.Eur J Obstet Gynecol. doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2013.03.023Na K, Kim HS.Clinicopathological characteristics of fallopian tube metastases from primary endometrial, cervical, and nongynecological malignancies: a single institutional experience.Virchows Arch. 2017;471(3):363-373. doi:10.1007/s00428-017-2186-z
Nutu M, Weijdegård B, Thomas P, Thurin-kjellberg A, Billig H, Larsson DG.Distribution and hormonal regulation of membrane progesterone receptors beta and gamma in ciliated epithelial cells of mouse and human fallopian tubes.Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2009;7:89. doi:10.1186/1477-7827-7-89
Vanaken GJ, Bassinet L, Boon M, et al.Infertility in an adult cohort with primary ciliary dyskinesia: phenotype-gene association.Eur Respir J. 2017;50(5). doi:10.1183/13993003.00314-2017
Gandhi KR, Siddiqui AU, Wabale RN, Daimi SR.The accessory fallopian tube: A rare anomaly.J Hum Reprod Sci. 2012;5(3):293-4. doi:10.4103/0974-1208.106344
Han J, Sadiq NM.Anatomy, abdomen and pelvis, fallopian tube. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
Creanga AA, Syverson C, Seed K, Callaghan WM.Pregnancy-related mortality in the United States, 2011-2013.Obstet Gynecol. 2017;130(2):366-373. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002114
Bolaji II, Oktaba M, Mohee K, Sze KY.An odyssey through salpingitis isthmica nodosa.Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2015;184:73-9. doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2014.11.014
Dun EC, Nezhat CH.Tubal factor infertility: diagnosis and management in the era of assisted reproductive technology.Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2012;39(4):551-66. doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2012.09.006
Kalampokas E, Kalampokas T, Tourountous I.Primary fallopian tube carcinoma.Eur J Obstet Gynecol. doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2013.03.023
Na K, Kim HS.Clinicopathological characteristics of fallopian tube metastases from primary endometrial, cervical, and nongynecological malignancies: a single institutional experience.Virchows Arch. 2017;471(3):363-373. doi:10.1007/s00428-017-2186-z
Briceag I, Costache A, Purcarea VL, et al.Fallopian tubes–literature review of anatomy and etiology in female infertility.J Med Life. 2015;8(2):129-31.
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