Fallopian tube of animals
Uterine tubes or Oviduct or Fallopian tube of animals are paired, convoluted tubes which has the unique function of conveying the eggs and sperms in opposite direction. It connects the ovary to the uterus.
Parts of Fallopian tube of animals
Fallopian tube of animals is divided into four parts. these are Fimbriae, Infundibulum, Ampulla and Isthmus.
(1) Fimbriae
Ovarian end of the oviduct with fringed edges is known as fimbriae. it forms ovarian bursa with mesosalpinx.
Ovarian bursa open in all farm animals (Completely covers the ovary in the pig but in case of the mare, Ovarian bursa covers only ovulation fossa)
Fimbriae move freely and sweep on the surface of the ovary at ovulation time.
(2) Infundibulum
Infundibulum have Funnels shaped second portion, Size varies with age and size of the animal. it has the abdominal opening of the oviduct – ostium abdominale.
(3) Ampulla
Ampulla forms more than half the length of the oviduct. it connects infundibulum to isthmus.
(4) Isthmus
Isthmus is connected to uterus at the utero-tubal junction.
Fertilization is take place at Ampulla-Isthmus junction in mammals.
Functions of Fallopian tube in animals
- Pick up of the ovum (Fimbriae pick up the ovulated egg from the ovarian surface, it is capable of picking up of ovum from the contralateral side)
- Oviducal secretions provide- Capacitation of sperm, Conducive environment for fertilization, Nutrition to young embryo, Protection to oocyte, sperm and young embryo from attack by maternal immune system, cleavage of young embryo by secretion of cleavage inducing protein
- Ciliary movements, muscular contractions and fluid flow help in Mixing of oviducal contents that improves encounter of the gametes, Denudation of follicular cells from the ovum, Transport of zygote into uterus and Prevention of tubal implantation
- Oviduct transports egg and sperm in opposite direction at about the same time but never fails