The Uterine Tube (Tuba Uterina [Fallopii]; Fallopian Tube; Oviduct). 



(Figs. 1161, 1165). 



The uterine tubes convey the ova from the ovaries to the cavity of the uterus. 

 They are two in number, one on either side, situated in the upper margin of the 

 broad ligament, and extending from the superior angle of the uterus to the side of 

 the pelvis. Each tube is about 10 cm. long, and is described as consisting of three 

 portions: (1) the isthmus, or medial constricted third; (2) the ampulla, or inter- 

 mediate dilated portion, which curves over the ovary; and (3) the infundibulum 

 with its abdominal ostium, surrounded by fimbriae, one of which, the ovarian fimbria 



Ureter 

 Sacrogenital fold 



Pararectal fossa, 



Ligament of ovary 

 Uterine tube 

 Round ligament of uterus 



FIG. 1165. Female pelvis and its contents, seen from above and in front. 



is attached to the ovary. The uterine tube is directed lateralward as far as the 

 uterine pole of the ovary, and then ascends along the mesovarian border of the 

 ovary to the tubal pole, over which it arches; finally it turns downward and ends 

 in relation to the free border and medial surface of the ovary. The uterine opening 

 is minute, and will only admit a fine bristle; the abdominal opening is somewhat 

 larger. In connection with the fimbrise of the uterine tube, or with the broad liga- 

 ment close to them, there are frequently one or more small pedunculated vesicles. 

 These are termed the appendices vesiculosae (hydatids of Morgagni). 



Structure. The uterine tube consists of three coats: serous, muscular, and mucous. The 

 external or serous coat is peritoneal. The middle or muscular coat consists of an external longi- 

 tudinal and an internal circular layer of non-striped muscular fibers continuous with those of 

 the uterus. The internal or mucous coat is continuous with the mucous lining of the uterus, and, 

 at the abdominal ostium of the tube, with the peritoneum. It is thrown into longitudinal folds, 

 which in the ampulla are much more extensive than in the isthmus. The lining epithelium is 

 columnar and ciliated. This form of epithelium is also found on the inner surface of the fimbrise. 

 while on the outer or serous surfaces of these processes the epithelium gradually merges into 

 the endothelium of the peritoneum. 



Fertilization of the ovum is believed (page 44) to occur in the tube, and the fertilized ovum 

 is then normally passed on into the uterus; the ovum, however, may adhere to and undergo develop- 

 ment in the uterine tube, giving rise to the commonest variety of ectopic gestation. In such cases 

 the amnion and chorion are formed, but a true decidua is never present; and the gestation usually 





