PASSAGE OF OVA INTO THE FALLOPIAN TUBES. 873 



have already seen that one of the fimbriaa of the tube is longer than the others and is 

 attached to the outer angle of the ovary. The other fimbriae are unattached and are 

 distant from about half an inch to an inch from the ovarian surface. According to this 

 observer, there is a double layer of muscular fibres, passing from the lumbar region of 

 the uterus and embracing the whole of the dilated portion of the tube ; and the action of 

 these fibres must draw the extremity of the tube toward the ovary and apply it to its sur- 

 face. That the muscular fibres described by Rouget exist, there can be scarcely a doubt ; 

 but that their action is essential to the passage of ova into the Fallopian tubes, is a ques- 

 tion for discussion. If we could assume with certainty that the ova are discharged only 

 during sexual intercourse, or that follicles are usually ruptured as a consequence of 

 pressure exerted by the muscular action described by Rouget, this theory would be ren- 

 dered exceedingly probable, to say the least ; but the facts do not admit of this exclusive 

 view. However, observations upon the lower animals, particularly rabbits, have shown 

 that copulation actually hastens the discharge of ova from ripe Graafian follicles ; but it 

 must be a question of theory simply, whether the act be attended with the muscular 

 contraction indicated by Rouget, or whether there be a determination of blood to the 

 ovary, which produces an additional tendency to rupture at this time. We can hardly 

 adopt unreservedly the theory of Rouget, unless it be evident that there is no other way 

 in which the ova can enter the tubes. The fact is that, in the human female, an ovum 

 may be discharged at the beginning of menstruation, at any time during the flow, or 

 even after the flow has ceased ; and it is more than probable that pressure within the 

 follicle alone may cause its rupture, and that this may occur independently of sexual 

 excitement. In view of these facts, while we cannot deny that the firnbriated extrem- 

 ities of the tubes may, by muscular action, be drawn toward the surface of the ovary, 

 we cannot admit that such an action is constant, or that it is necessary to the passage 

 of ova into the tubes, though the theory of Rouget has been adopted, entirely or in 

 part, by some writers of authority. 



If we take into account the situation of the ovaries and the relations of the Fallopian 

 tubes, we can understand how an ovum may pass into the tube, without invoking the aid 

 of muscular action. Let us suppose, for example, that a Graafian follicle be ruptured 

 when the fimbriated extremity of the tube is not applied to the surface of the ovary. One 

 of the fimbriae, longer than the others, is attached to the outer angle of the ovary and 

 presents a little furrow, or gutter, leading to the opening of the tube. This furrow is 

 lined by ciliated epithelium, as indeed, is the mucous membrane of all of the fimbria3, the 

 movements of which produce a current in the direction of the opening, which we might 

 suppose would be sufficient to carry a little globule, only y^-j- of an inch in diameter, into 

 the tube. At the same time, there is probably, as has been suggested by Becker, a con- 

 stant flow of liquid over the ovarian surface, directed by the ciliary current toward the 

 tube ; and when the liquid of the ruptured follicle is discharged, this, with the ovum, 

 takes the same course. 



In all probability, what we have just described is the mechanism of the passage of the 

 ova into the Fallopian tubes ; and it is possible that the fimbriated extremity may be 

 drawn toward the ovarian surface, though we can hardly understand how it can be closely 

 applied to the ovary and exert any considerable pressure upon the distended follicle. It 

 is proper to note, also, that the conditions dependent upon the currents of liquid directed 

 by the movements of cilia, are constant and could influence the passage of an ovum at 

 whatever time it might be discharged, while a muscular action would be more or less 

 intermittent. 



It is somewhat difficult to understand the exact mechanism of the passage of an ovum 

 discharged from an ovary into the Fallopian tube upon the opposite side, although it cannot 

 be doubted that this sometimes occurs. Schroeder has collected, from various authors, the 

 reports of several cases, in which an ovum has been discharged, has found its way into 

 the uterus, and has undergone development, one tube being closed and the corpus luteum 



