Uterine tube

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Description:

These are paired tubes in the female reproductive anatomy that extend laterally from the uterus within folds of the peritoneum called the broad ligaments. Measuring approximately 4 inches in length they transport secondary oocytes and fertilized ova from the peritoneal cavity to the uterus. At their free end they are open to the peritoneal cavity near the ovary. This free open end has a fringe of fingerlike projections, the fimbriae, around the tube's opening. Movements of the fimbriae help sweep the ovulated oocyte from the peritoneal cavity into the opening of the uterine tube. Once in the tube ciliary action in the mucosal lining of the tube and muscular contractions of its wall help move the oocyte or zygote toward the uterus.