Anatomy of Uterine Tubes

Uterine Tubes

The fallopian (uterine) tubes (oviducts) are approxi-mately 7 to 14 cm in length, and are divided into three portions: a narrow and straight isthmus, which adjoins the opening into the uterus; the ampulla, or central portion; and the infundibulum, which is fringed by the finger-shaped fimbriae. The fallopian tubes surround the ovary and collect the oocyte at the time of ovulation. The fallopian tubes are supplied by the ovarian and uter-ine arteries. The epithelial lining of the fallopian tube is ciliated columnar; the cilia beat toward the uterus, assist-ing in oocyte transport.