Oviduct

Oviduct

The Oviduct, also known as the Fallopian tube, is a part of the female reproductive system in mammals, including humans. It is the pathway through which an ovum or egg travels from the ovary to the uterus.

Structure

The oviduct is a narrow, tube-like structure that extends from the uterus to the vicinity of the ovary, but does not directly connect with it. It is divided into four main sections: the infundibulum, the ampulla, the isthmus, and the uterine part.

Infundibulum

The infundibulum is the funnel-shaped end of the oviduct, located near the ovary. It has finger-like projections called fimbriae that help to catch and guide the ovum into the oviduct.

Ampulla

The ampulla is the longest section of the oviduct and is where fertilization usually occurs if a sperm is present when the ovum is released.

Isthmus

The isthmus is a narrower section of the oviduct that connects the ampulla to the uterine part.

Uterine part

The uterine part (also known as the intramural part) is the section of the oviduct that is embedded within the wall of the uterus.

Function

The primary function of the oviduct is to transport the ovum from the ovary to the uterus. The cilia and muscle contractions within the oviduct facilitate this movement. If a sperm fertilizes the ovum in the oviduct, the fertilized egg then travels to the uterus where it implants into the uterine wall and begins to develop into a fetus.

Clinical significance

Problems with the oviduct can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure to prevent pregnancy by blocking the oviducts.

See also

• Female reproductive system
• Ovary
• Uterus
• Fertilization
• Ectopic pregnancy

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