Morphofunctional features of the fallopian tubes. Modern concepts

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Abstract

The article provides an overview of the modern literature covering the role of the fallopian tubes in reproduction.

The understanding of the anatomy and functions of the fallopian tubes has changed several times over the centuries. There is still no generally accepted opinion regarding some of the features of their structure. The normal functioning of the fallopian tubes is possible only due to the complex interaction of physical and biochemical processes occurring therein. In recent years, many discoveries have been made regarding the fallopian tubes that showed that we still do not know all the details of how this organ works. There are several basic methods for assessing the functions of the fallopian tubes, but all of them have their drawbacks and are of limited use, which is why it can sometimes be quite difficult to get a complete picture of the organ’s functioning. Modern discoveries and the introduction of new techniques into practical work can significantly expand the doctor’s capabilities in treating infertility associated with the tubal factor.

The current knowledge about the anatomical, functional and morphological features of the fallopian tubes emphasizes the importance of this organ in the implementation of the woman’s reproductive function. It is generally believed that the role of the fallopian tubes in conception is secondary and unimportant in comparison with the tasks performed by the uterus and ovaries. The importance of the fallopian tubes is most often mentioned in the literature in no more than a few paragraphs, where it is said only that the egg moves through them to the uterine cavity. However, modern research proves that complex processes and interactions occur in the organ that maintain homeostasis therein. After all, only the totality of the preserved function of each of the organs of the female reproductive system can ensure the onset and prolongation of future pregnancy.

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About the authors

Viktoria S. Ganzhina

The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott

Author for correspondence.
Email: ganzhina040799@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0009-0001-5225-6484
Russian Federation, 3 Mendeleevskaya Line, Saint Petersburg, 199034

Tatyana B. Postnikova

The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott

Email: ptb20@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-8227-2629
SPIN-code: 5354-4640

MD

Russian Federation, 3 Mendeleevskaya Line, Saint Petersburg, 199034

Olesya N. Bespalova

The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott

Email: shiggerra@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-6542-5953
SPIN-code: 4732-8089

MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine)

Russian Federation, 3 Mendeleevskaya Line, Saint Petersburg, 199034

Igor Yu. Kogan

The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott

Email: ikogan@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-7351-6900
SPIN-code: 6572-6450

MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Professor, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Russian Federation, 3 Mendeleevskaya Line, Saint Petersburg, 199034

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Supplementary files

Supplementary Files
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1. JATS XML
2. Fig. 1. Fallopian tube anatomy: a, parts of the fallopian tube [5]; b, layers of the fallopian tube [6]

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3. Fig. 2. Movement of the egg through the parts of the fallopian tube: a, fertilization of the egg in the fallopian tube [11]; b, the wall of the fallopian tube in different parts; c, the ampullary part; d, the isthmic section [6]

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4. Fig. 3. Visualization of the fallopian tubes using various diagnostic methods: а, hysterosalpingography [24]; b, hydrosonography [25]

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5. Fig. 4. Schematic illustration of fallopian tube diagnostics: a, pertubation [26]; b, fertiloscopy [27]

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СМИ зарегистрировано Федеральной службой по надзору в сфере связи, информационных технологий и массовых коммуникаций (Роскомнадзор).
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от 15.07.2002 г.