Fallopian Tube
A fallopian tube (also called uterine tube or oviduct) conducts each
egg, following ovulation, from the ovary to the uterus.
The wall of the fallopian tube includes an elaborately folded mucosa
(endosalpinx) surrounded by a muscularis (myosalpinx). The mucosa
is lined by a ciliated columnar epithelium with secretory cells, and is folded
out into the lumen so that an ovum in the lumen will always be close to the
cilia for transport to the uterus.
- For an image of salpingitis (inflammation in the
fallopian tube), see WebPath.
The
size of the lumen, shape of the mucosa, and the thickness of the muscularis
all vary along the length of the tube.
The mucosa is most elaborate in the ampulla, with extensive
folding. The mucosa becomes much simpler, with a smaller lumen, in
the isthmus. The muscularis is relatively thin (with inner circular
and outer longitudinal layers) in the infundibulum and ampulla and thicker
(with an additional inner longitudinal layer) as the isthmus approaches
the uterus (where the muscularis merges with the
myometrium.)
The
mucosal lining is simple columnar epithelium,
consisting of two cell types
-- ciliated cells and secretory cells. Cilia, rather than
muscular contraction, provide the principal motive power to move an egg toward
the uterus. 
Mucosal
folds occupy most of the
potential lumenal space, so that cilia
on the epithelial surface can effectively contact the egg. Secretory
cells are functionally similar to goblet cells, providing lubrication, but
are not as conspicuous.
