Uterine tube

From IKE

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

The uterine tubes pass laterally from the uterus towards the lateral pelvic walls, where they open into the peritoneal cavity. The tube can be divided into four parts. From medial to lateral, they are:

1. uterine - within the wall of the uterus and opening into the uterine cavity
2. isthmus - short and narrow
3. ampulla - a tortuous wider part
4. infundibulum (=funnel) - the funnel-shaped, open end of the tube that clasps the ovary
   • The margin of the opening forms finger-like processes, known as fimbriae

Fertilization of an oocyte usually occurs in the uterine tube.

Resources

• Pelvis and reproduction lecture notes (PDF)