Fallopian Tubes: Anatomy, Function, and Fertility

Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026

Source currency note: This guide reflects medical information reviewed in May 2026. Always confirm current guidance with your healthcare professional.

Quick Answer: What are fallopian tubes?

Fallopian tubes are a pair of hollow, muscular ducts connecting the ovaries to the uterus that are essential for conception. They catch the egg after ovulation, host fertilization and move the embryo toward the uterus using cilia and muscle contractions. Up to 1 in 3 infertility cases stem from tubal problems such as blockages or infection scarring. [3]

What the research says

• Surgery before IVF can raise pregnancy rates when a tube is blocked and fluid-filled (hydrosalpinx). A Cochrane review of 11 randomised trials with 1,386 participants found moderate-quality evidence that removing the affected tube (salpingectomy) before IVF probably increases the clinical pregnancy rate compared with no surgery (risk ratio 2.02, 95% CI 1.44–2.82; four trials, 455 women), although no trial reported live birth for that comparison (Melo et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020 [1]).

• A live-birth benefit is still unproven. A 2025 network meta-analysis of nine randomised trials and 17 observational studies found no significant difference in live birth rate between hydrosalpinx treatments, while salpingectomy raised the ongoing pregnancy rate (OR 4.35, 95% CI 1.70–11.14) and clinical pregnancy rate (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.30–3.86) compared with no treatment (Pérez-Milán et al., Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2025 [2]).

Anatomy of the fallopian tubes

The fallopian tubes are sophisticated structures designed to facilitate the complex process of reproduction [3].

Structural overview

Most females are born with two fallopian tubes, each extending from the upper corners of the uterus and ending near an ovary. Each tube is approximately 4 to 5 inches long and ranges from 0.2 to 0.6 inches in diameter [3].

Key anatomical parts

A single fallopian tube consists of four distinct sections, each with a specialized role [3].

• Infundibulum: The funnel-shaped end closest to the ovary, featuring finger-like fimbriae that “catch” the egg during ovulation.

• Ampulla: The widest part of the tube, where fertilization typically takes place.

• Isthmus: A narrow channel that connects the ampulla to the uterine wall.

• Intramural portion: The final segment, which passes through the uterine wall and opens into the uterine cavity.

Section	Location	Primary role
Infundibulum	Near the ovary	Catching and sweeping the egg into the tube
Ampulla	Mid-section	Serving as the primary site for fertilization
Isthmus	Near the uterus	Connecting the outer sections to the uterine wall
Intramural	Within the uterine wall	Opening into the uterus for embryo delivery

Figure 1: The fallopian tubes consist of four specialized sections that facilitate the movement of eggs and embryos.

How the fallopian tubes function

The fallopian tubes are active participants in the reproductive cycle, performing three essential tasks [3].

Egg capture and fertilization

During ovulation, the fimbriae sweep a mature egg into the infundibulum. The egg then travels to the ampulla, where it waits for sperm. If sperm are present, fertilization occurs within this protected environment [3].

Embryo transport

After fertilization, the resulting embryo must travel to the uterus. The inner lining of the tubes is covered in microscopic hair-like structures called cilia. These cilia, combined with rhythmic muscular contractions, gently push the embryo toward the uterine cavity over several days [3].

Supporting the environment

The mucous membrane lining the tubes releases fluids that nourish the egg and sperm, creating an ideal environment for the earliest stages of life [3].

Figure 2: Fallopian tubes provide the necessary environment for fertilization and the subsequent transport of the embryo.

Conditions affecting tubal health

Issues with the fallopian tubes can make it hard to become pregnant, and up to 1 in 3 infertility cases are due to tubal problems, known as tubal factor infertility [3].

Common disorders

• Ectopic pregnancy: A life-threatening condition in which an embryo implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. Get emergency care for sudden or severe belly or pelvic pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting or dizziness, or heavy bleeding in early pregnancy.

• Salpingitis: Inflammation or infection of the tubes, often caused by pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

• Hydrosalpinx: A build-up of fluid caused by a blockage, often resulting from previous infections or surgery.

• Endometriosis: The growth of uterine-like tissue outside the uterus, which can scar or block the tubes.

Symptoms and diagnosis

While many tubal issues cause no symptoms, some people experience pelvic pain, abnormal discharge, or painful periods. Healthcare providers use tests such as a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or ultrasound to check for blockages [3].

Protecting your reproductive health

While some conditions are unavoidable, you can take steps to maintain the health of your fallopian tubes [3].

• Prevent infections: Practicing safer sex reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which are a primary cause of tubal scarring and PID.

• Get regular checkups: Early detection of reproductive health issues can help prevent long-term damage to the delicate tubal lining.

• Know your fertility options: If one tube is damaged or removed, pregnancy is often still possible with the remaining healthy tube.

Figure 3: Protecting against infections and seeking early medical advice are essential for preserving tubal health.

Conclusion: more than simple passageways

The fallopian tubes are dynamic organs essential for the start of human life. From capturing the egg to hosting fertilization and ensuring the embryo reaches the uterus, their function is pivotal to reproductive success. Understanding their anatomy and the factors that affect their health helps you make informed decisions about your fertility and long-term wellness.

If you are concerned about your reproductive health or have had difficulty conceiving, schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider to discuss diagnostic testing for tubal health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are fallopian tubes?

Fallopian tubes are a pair of hollow, muscular ducts that connect the ovaries to the uterus and are essential for conception.

Where is fertilization most likely to occur?

Fertilization most often happens in the ampulla, which is the major channel of the fallopian tube.

How long are the fallopian tubes?

Each fallopian tube is typically between 4 and 5 inches long.

Can you get pregnant with only one fallopian tube?

Yes. As long as you have one healthy tube and ovary, natural conception is still possible.

What is an ectopic pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube.

What causes blocked fallopian tubes?

Common causes include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, previous surgeries, or infections such as STIs.

What are fimbriae?

Fimbriae are finger-like structures at the end of the fallopian tube that sweep the egg from the ovary into the tube.

How do the tubes move the embryo?

The fallopian tubes use a combination of microscopic hairs called cilia and muscular contractions to push the embryo toward the uterus.

What is salpingitis?

Salpingitis is an infection that causes inflammation in the fallopian tubes and is a type of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Can you conceive if both tubes are removed?

Yes. People without fallopian tubes can still become pregnant through in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Related Reading

Ectopic Pregnancy: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment explains pregnancies that implant in a fallopian tube and why they are urgent.

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): Timing, What to Expect and What It Finds describes the X-ray test that checks whether the fallopian tubes are open.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment — A Clear Guide covers an infection that can scar the fallopian tubes.

Female Infertility: Causes, Signs, and Treatment Options Explained explains common causes of female infertility and treatment options.

References

1. Melo P, Georgiou EX, Johnson N, et al. Surgical treatment for tubal disease in women due to undergo in vitro fertilisation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2020;10(10):CD002125. PMID 33091963. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD002125.pub4

2. Pérez-Milán F, Caballero-Campo M, Carrera-Roig M, et al. Hydrosalpinx treatment before in-vitro fertilization: systematic review and network meta-analysis. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2025;65(4):414-426. PMID 38764191. https://doi.org/10.1002/uog.27697

3. Cleveland Clinic. Fallopian tubes. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated May 7, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23184-fallopian-tubes

Medical disclaimer

This article was prepared for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.