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Fertility Education
Uterus & Tubes
Fallopian Tubes (oviducts)
The fallopian tube is one of the most complex organs in the body. This
is where fertilization takes place. The tubes have a fan-like ends called
fimbria that can sweep across the ovary and pick up the ovulated egg.
Nearly one-half inch at its open end close to the ovary, the tube narrows
to the size of a pencil tip near the uterus. The end closest to the ovary
contracts to push the egg down to the site of fertilization while the
end closest to the uterus contracts up to aid in getting the sperm to
the site of fertilization. The fallopian tubes sustain the female's egg
and male's sperm throughout the fertilization process. It may take a few
days for the egg and the subsequent fertilized embryo to travel the length
of the fallopian tube.
Fallopian tubes are responsible for:
- Picking up a newly released egg
- Providing nutrients and movement for the egg
- Sustaining an environment for fertilization
- Moving a fertilized egg into the uterus
Uterus
The uterus is a pear-shaped organ located in the low center of a woman's
pelvis. The uterine lining, known as the endometrium, builds up during
the first half, proliferative phase, of the menstrual cycle in anticipation
of receiving an embryo from the fallopian tube. It protects, develops
and nourishes the fetus until birth. The uterus is also referred to as
the womb. If a woman is not pregnant, the uterine lining sheds in the
menstrual cycle.
The cervix is the connection between the vagina and the uterus. For intrauterine insemination or for embryo transfer, a catheter is inserted through the vagina and cervical canal to reach the uterus. The cervix produces mucous secretions that change through the reproductive cycle. Around the time of ovulation, the cervical mucous is thin and watery to aid in the passage of sperm to the uterus. After ovulation and/or during pregnancy, the mucous is thick to provide a protective barrier to the uterus from infections.
Last updated: July 22, 2008
Author: Dr. Arlene J. Morales