The Fallopian Tubes

Question 1

What are some other names for the fallopian tubes?

Answer 1

uterine tubes, oviducts, salpinx

Question 2

What are the two histological layers of the fallopian tubes

Answer 2

inner mucosa

smooth muscle layer

Question 3

what type of cells make up the inner mucosa?

Answer 3

ciliated columnar epithelial cells and peg cells (non-ciliated secretory cells). They waft the ovum towards the uterus and supply it with nutrients.

Question 4

What is the function of the smooth muscle layer?

Answer 4

It contracts to assist transport of ova

Question 5

Which hormone increases peristalsis of the smooth muscle layer?

Answer 5

oestrogen

Question 6

What are the four parts of the fallopian tubes?

Answer 6

Fimbriae, infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus

Question 7

Which part is the narrowest section that connects the tube to the uterine cavity?

Answer 7

isthmus

Question 8

Which part has finger-like, ciliated projections which capture the ovum from the surface of the ovary?

Answer 8

Fimbriae

Question 9

Which part is the widest section, where fertilisation usually occurs?

Answer 9

ampulla

Question 10

Which part is the funnel-shaped opening near the ovary to which fimbriae are attached?

Answer 10

infundibulum

Question 11

What is the arterial supply to the tubes?

Answer 11

uterine and ovarian arteries

Question 12

What is the venous drainage from the tubes?

Answer 12

uterine and ovarian veins

Question 13

Lymphatic drainage is via the ______

Answer 13

iliac, sacral and aortic lymph nodes.

Question 14

Describe the innervation of the fallopian tubes

Answer 14

both sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation via nerve fibres from the ovarian and uterine (pelvic) plexuses. Sensory afferent fibres run from T11- L1