The fallopian tubes
The fallopian tubes (also called salpinges or oviducts, and ‘tubes’ for short) enter the uterus at its upper, outer corners on each side. Each tube stretches about 10 cm sideways, where its wall divides into a number of fronds. These fronds, called fimbriae, sweep over the surface of the ovary to pick up the egg when it is released. The tubes have muscular walls that contract in order to move their contents towards the uterus. They are lined by a folded membrane that produces the tubal fluid and also contains cells with tiny surface projections, called cilia, that help waft this fluid in the direction of the uterus. Fertilisation takes place within the tubes. The tubal fluid is believed to nourish the fertilised ovum during its 4-5-day journey through the tube to the uterus.
The ovaries are about the size of an un-shelled almond. They lie, supported by ligaments, at the sides of the pelvis towards the back. Beneath the surface of the ovary lie many thousands of undeveloped egg cells surrounded by specialised ovarian stromal cells that have the important role of producing female sex hormones. Depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, (here may also be some maturing or mature ova within the ovary.
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