Figure 2-3. Pelvic region of female, median sagittal section.
2-5.
UTERINE (FALLOPIAN) TUBES
a. The Greek word "salpinx," meaning trumpet or tube, is used in referring to the
uterine tube. Bilateral tubes, each consisting of a musculomembranous channel about
4 to 5 inches long, form the canals through which the ova from either ovary are
conveyed to the uterus. Each uterine tubes leaves the upper portion of the uterus,
passes outward toward the sides of the pelvis, and ends in fringelike projections, called
fimbriae. These are situated just below the ovaries. The fimbriae catch the ova, and
the tubes convey the ova to the cavity of the uterus. This channel also transmits
spermatozoa in the opposite direction. The tubes are covered on their outer surfaces
by peritoneum. Each tube receives its blood supply from the branches of the uterine
and ovarian arteries.
b. How the ova are transported from the ruptured follicle into the uterus is
unknown. One theory is that the transfer is accomplished through vascular changes,
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