The fallopian tubes, uterine tubes, or oviducts (from the Latin ovum, meaning egg, and ductus, meaning duct), are structures of the female reproductive system.

Position. There are two of the fallopian tubes located between the ovary and the uterus. Positioned symmetrically about the midline, each fallopian tube starts from the upper and lateral part of the uterus and then extends to join each ovary (1) (2).

Structure. The fallopian tubes are ducts about 10 to 14 cm long (2). They are made up of three parts (1):

• The angular part, located at the level of the uterus, represents a resistant connection with the uterus.
• The isthmic part, located between the angular and ampullary areas of the fallopian tube, constitutes the long thin duct.
• The ampullary part, corresponding to the open end adjacent to the ovary, is structured in the form of a pavilion composed of mobile, thick and irrigated fringes.

Wall. The inner wall of the fallopian tubes is narrow, wrinkled, and covered with hair cells (2).

Support. The broad ligament helps maintain and connect part of the fallopian tubes to the ovaries (1).

Roles in reproduction. The fallopian tubes play several essential roles in reproduction (1) (2):

• Reception of the oocyte. During ovulation, the pinna of the fallopian tubes collects the oocyte expelled by the ovary, and more particularly by the ovarian follicle.
• Sperm displacement. The structure of the fallopian tubes helps the flow of sperm. These move through the uterine tubes to reach the ampullary part where the oocyte is located. During this stage, the sperm also complete their maturation.
• Fertilization environment. The fallopian tubes meet all the conditions favorable to fertilization, which will take place in the ampullary part.
• Egg transport. The structure of the fallopian tubes allows the fertilized oocyte, egg or zygote to be transported to the uterine cavity where it will implant itself to begin its development.

Salpingite. This pathology corresponds to inflammation of the uterine tubes.

endometriosis. This pathology refers to the development of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. It can especially occur in the uterine tubes (3).

Fallopian tube cancer. Benign or malignant tumors can develop within the fallopian tubes (4).

Ectopic pregnancy. It corresponds to a bad implantation of the egg, causing complications for the pregnancy. This poor implantation sometimes occurs in the fallopian tubes.

Medical treatment. Depending on the condition diagnosed, certain drugs may be prescribed such as hormone therapy for endometriosis (3).

Surgical treatment. Depending on the pathology diagnosed and its evolution, surgery may be necessary. For example, part of the affected fallopian tube can be removed during a linear salpongostomy. In some cases, the fallopian tube will need to be removed entirely during a salpingectomy.

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy. Depending on the type and stage of cancer diagnosed, treatment of the tumor may be in the form of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or even targeted treatment.

Physical examination. First, a physical examination is performed to identify and assess the symptoms of pain.

Medical imaging exam. Pelvic ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, can be used to complete or confirm a diagnosis in the uterus.

• Hysterosalpingography. This examination allows the observation of the uterine cavity and the uterine tubes.

biopsy. Performed under colposcopy, it consists of a tissue sample.

Gabriel Fallope, Italian anatomist from the 5th century, highlighted the presence of the uterine tubes, hence their current name of fallopian tubes (XNUMX).