Organ
Infundibulum and fimbriae
Fimbriae surrounding the tube's abdominal opening
High-yield
The uterine tube is open to the peritoneal cavity at the infundibulum. One ovarian fimbria provides an attachment toward the ovary, while other fimbriae remain mobile.
Overview
The infundibulum is the flared lateral end of the uterine tube. Its fimbriae approach the ovarian surface around ovulation, helping guide the oocyte toward the abdominal ostium. This opening links the tubal lumen with the peritoneal cavity.
Reference facts
- Location
- At the lateral tubal end near the ovary; its position changes with adnexal mobility.
- Parts
- A funnel-like segment surrounding the abdominal ostium, bordered by fimbriae including an ovarian fimbria.
- Blood supply
- Predominantly ovarian tubal branches, communicating with uterine arterial branches along the tube.
- Innervation
- Autonomic and sensory fibers accompany ovarian and uterine plexus pathways.
- Venous/Lymphatic drainage
- Venous return enters ovarian and uterine networks; lymph follows both ovarian-pedicle and uterine connections to lumbar and pelvic nodes.
- Relations
- Suspended with the tube by the mesosalpinx and adjacent to the ovarian surface within the peritoneal cavity.
- Function
- Helps collect the ovulated oocyte and guide it into the tube through fimbrial movement and ciliary activity.
Clinical correlation
Inflammation or scarring of the fimbriae can impair oocyte capture even without complete tubal blockage. Many high-grade serous cancers classified as ovarian are thought to begin in distal tubal epithelium, particularly the fimbrial region.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the infundibulum and fimbriae located?
At the lateral tubal end near the ovary; its position changes with adnexal mobility.
What do the infundibulum and fimbriae do?
Helps collect the ovulated oocyte and guide it into the tube through fimbrial movement and ciliary activity.
What are the parts of the infundibulum and fimbriae?
A funnel-like segment surrounding the abdominal ostium, bordered by fimbriae including an ovarian fimbria.
What is the blood supply of the infundibulum and fimbriae?
Predominantly ovarian tubal branches, communicating with uterine arterial branches along the tube.