Fallopian tube and its role in the reproductive system

Fallopian Tube, the name comes from anatomist Gabriele Falloppio who also named many other anatomical structures. The Fallopian Tube is also known as the uterine tubes, salpinges or oviducts. In layman's terms, these are 10-12 cm long tubes that stretch from the uterus to the ovaries and are a part of the female reproductive system. They are not just a part but they play a very important role in the reproductive system. Any birth defect, injury, condition or disease can cause the reproductive system to fail and could tend couples childless.

There are two ovaries attached to the J-shaped Fallopian tubes which in turn are attached to either side of the uterus. They are the form the major part of the reproductive system of a woman. A Fallopian tube is anatomically described to have four major parts which have different roles in the reproductive system.

Fimbriae finger-like ciliated projections that help to collect the ovum or egg from the surface of the ovary when it is ready for ovulation.

The Infundibulum is a funnel-shaped opening near the ovary to which the fimbriae is attached which is the opening of the Fallopian tube through which the eggs enter.

Ampulla the widest section of the uterine or Fallopian tube where the actual conception or fertilization mostly happens.

Isthmus a narrow section that directs the fertilized eggs towards the uterine cavity and is the ending of the Fallopian tube.

An oviduct or Fallopian tube is lined by ciliated epithelium which helps n the movement of the ovum towards the uterus. The major function of the Fallopian tube is to transport the oocytes after ovulation towards the uterus. Before the oocytes reach the uterus the eggs meet the sperm in the ampulla region of the Fallopian tube. If the fertilization takes place the Fallopian tube will move the zygote with the help o the ciliated epithelium and muscle movement of the Fallopian tube towards the uterus for further growth of the zygote. If in case the egg is not fertilized it get degenerated here.

The Fallopian tube is the place where the initial development of the embryo takes place. The embryo enters the uterine cavity only after five days and implants itself in the uterus for further growth.

There may also be cases where the embryo gets implanted in the Fallopian Tube itself which is termed as a tubal pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy. This happens when there is any damage to the lining of the Fallopian tube that moves the egg to the uterus and is unable to move the egg and the egg gets implanted in the Fallopian tube itself. This could cause internal bleeding and rupture.

The Fallopian tubes are a very major part of the reproductive system and they are also can play a very major role in family planning. A Fallopian tube could be manipulated to stop the egg from going towards the uterus and thus avoiding pregnancy. Tubectomy is one such procedure where the Fallopian is blocked to prevent the transport of the ovum to the uterus for sterilization in females.

The fallopian tube also plays a major role in alternative methods that are used to get pregnant like the IVF technique of ZIFT (Zygote Intrafallopian transfer) and GIFT (Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer ) in which the zygote or the gamete is transferred to the Fallopian tube for the further process of pregnancy.