They are important parts of the female reproductive system.
Fertilization normally happens in the fallopian tubes.
Their shape is similar to an extended J.
Kinwun / Getty Images
The open ends of the fallopian tubes lie very near the ovaries but they are not directly attached.
They are instead connected by a piece of tissue called the mesosalpinx.
They are generally considered to consist of four sections:
The fallopian tubes are made up of several layers.
The outer layer is a jot down of membrane known as the serosa.
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.
The cilia of the fallopian tubes are most numerous at the ovarian end.
They also change throughout the menstrual cycle.
The beating movement of the cilia increases near the time of ovulation.This is regulated by estrogen and progesterone production.
Interestingly, some women with a condition known asKartagener’ssyndrome remain fertile even though their cilia movement is impaired.
This extra tube generally has an end that is near the ovary but does not extend into the uterus.
The eggs are picked up by the fimbriae and then swept towards the uterus.
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 sometimes referred to as getting one’s “tubes tied.”
Associated Conditions
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 happens 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.
They also reduce fertility.
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.
Left untreated, tubal torsion can affect fertility.
Hydrosalpinx
Hydrosalpinxdescribes when one or both fallopian tubes become swollen and filled with fluid.
This can be the result of an infection.
It can also be brought on by an obstruction of one or both ends of the fallopian tube.
Cancer
Primary cancer of the fallopian tube is very rare, but can happen.
Fallopian tube metastases can also occur from non-gynecologic cancers.
Tests
Problems with the fallopian tubes can be diagnosed with a few different tests.
Hysterosalpingogram
A hysterosalpingogram is a special key in 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.
This test is done as an outpatient procedure.
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a jot down of surgery that can be used to examine the reproductive organs.
Small incisions are made and a camera is inserted into the abdomen.
This pop in of surgery is often referred to as minimally invasive surgery.
2017;50(5).
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
Creanga AA, Syverson C, Seed K, Callaghan WM.Pregnancy-related mortality in the United States, 2011-2013.Obstet Gynecol.
2015;8(2):129-31.
