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Uterine tube

Dr Henry Knipe and Dr Frank Gaillard et al.

The uterine tube, also known as Fallopian tube, is approximately 10 - 12 cm long and 1 -  4 mm in diameter. It bridges the gap between the ovary laterally, and the uterus medially. Though it, the ovum passes into the uterine cavity. If conception occurs, it does so within the tube. The peritoneal reflection draping over the salpinges forms the mesosalpinx.

Gross anatomy and relations

A uterine tube is divided into several anatomic segments (from lateral to medial):

  • fimbriae - which drape over the ovary : composed of ~ 25 finger like projections 
  • infundibulum - funnel-shaped lateral part; drapes over the ovary with the fimbriae
    • its opens into the peritoneal cavity at the abdominal ostium
  • ampulla - the widest and longest section forming over half the entire length
  • isthmus - immediately lateral to the uterus, is as the name suggests, the narrowest segment
  • interstitial or intramural segment - section within the myometrium.
Relations

content pending

Blood supply

  • arterial supply - tubal branch of the ovarian artery and terminal (tubal) branch of the uterine artery
  • venous drainage - similarly named veins

Lymphatic supply

Lymph drainage is predominantly laterally and up to the para-aortic lymph nodes (like the ovaries).

Nerve supply

  • ovarian and uterine plexuses (from T11 - L1)

Histology

Like many other muscular hollow tubes it has two layers of muscle (inner circular, outer longitudinal), and is lined by columnar epithelium, a mixture of ciliated and non ciliated. It is the former that 'beat' the ovum towards the uterus. 

Radiological appearance

The normal uterine tubes are not visualized at cross-sectional imaging unless they are outlined by fluid. In the presence of peritoneal fluid or contrast material, the uterine tubes appear as paired, thin, serpentine juxta-uterine structures extending either anteriorly or posteriorly into the cul-de-sac.

Plain films

Contrast studies can be completed by performing a hysterosalpingogram (HSG). 

Etymology

The eponymous name - Fallopian tube - is named after Gabriel Fallopius : Italian anatomist (1523 - 1562),  the same anatomist who gave his name to the Fallopian ligament and the Fallopian canal.

Related pathology

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