The two fallopian tubes, each about 4 inches long, are very fine tubes leading from the ovary of respected side to the uterus. Each tube lies in the upper border of the broad ligament of the uterus and connects the peritoneal cavity of the female with the cavity of the uterus.
Parts of fallopian tube:
Fallopian tube is divided into four parts:
- Infundibulum: It is the funnel-shaped lateral end of the fallopian tube that projects beyond the broad ligament and overlies the ovary. The free edge of the infundibulum has several finger-like processes, known as fimbriae.
- Ampulla: It is the widest part of the tube, which represents most of the lateral half.
- Isthmus: It is the narrowest part of the tube and lies just lateral to the uterus.
- Intramural part: It is the segment that pierces the uterine wall.
Fallopian tubes receive the ovum from the ovary and provide a site where fertilization of ovum can take place. The most common place for fertilization is the ampulla of fallopian tube. In addition, they also provide nourishment for the fertilized ovum and transport it to the cavity of the uterus. They also serve as conduits along which the spermatozoa travel to reach the ovum.
The arterial supply is provided by the uterine artery which is a branch of the internal iliac artery and the ovarian artery from the abdominal aorta. The venous drainage is by way of veins that correspond to the arteries.
Lymph from the ovaries drains to the internal iliac nodes and paraaortic nodes.
Ovaries receive both sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves from the inferior hypogastric plexuses.