These are bilateral muscular ducts, lined with mucosa containing ciliated epithelium, that pass from the upper angles of the uterus in a somewhat tortuous course between the folds and along the superior margin of the broad ligament toward the sides of the pelvis. They are about 4 in. long, and the margin of the dilated end, or ampulla, is surrounded by a number of fringelike processes called fimbriae.
The functions of the uterine tubes are to convey the ova from the ovaries to the uterus, to aid in the upward passage of the spermatozoa, and to provide circular folds within which the ovum is nourished and delayed of the elapse between fertilization and implantation so that the uterine wall will be properly prepared for growth and development of the embryo.
