Question

State the function of the fallopian tubes. State the site of fertilization of the egg within the fallopian tubes. State the function of the fimbriae. State the site of implantation of the egg and fetal development. State the function of the endometrium. State the function of the myometrium.

Answer 1

2. Fallopian tube, also called oviduct or uterine tube, either of a pair of long narrow ducts located in the human female abdominal cavity that transport the male sperm cells to the egg, provide a suitable environment for fertilization, and transport the egg from the ovary, where it is produced, to the central channel (lumen) of the uterus.The mucous membrane lining the fallopian tube gives off secretions that help to transport the sperm and the egg and to keep them alive. The swaying motions of the cilia and the rhythmic muscular contractions (peristaltic waves) of the fallopian tube’s wall work together while moving the egg or sperm.

3. It is in the upper third of the Fallopian tubes that fertilization most commonly occurs. n the Fallopian tube, the egg is slowly propelled toward the uterus. If sperm are present in the female reproductive system, one of the sperm will penetrate the egg, normally while it is still in the upper third of the Fallopian tube.

4. the fimbriae sit at the end of the Fallopian tubes and connect to the ovary. The fimbriae are very small in size and have finger-like appendages. The fimbriae dictate the movement of the ovum, and it takes approximately three to five days before the egg is moved completely to the uterus. It is at this point that the egg can be fertilized by sperm. The function of the fimbriae is to produce a peritoneal fluid, which moves the egg to the uterus.

5.Implantation is a process in which a developing embryo, moving as a blastocyst through a uterus, makes contact with the uterine wall and remains attached to it until birth. The lining of the uterus (endometrium) prepares for the developing blastocyst to attach to it via many internal changes. Without these changes implantation will not occur. Just prior to ovulation, the endometrium begins to thicken and to expand in response to the release of estrogen from the ovaries. As the embryo moves through the fallopian tubes, the endometrium proliferates, changes in shape, becomes receptive to implantation, and produces a hospitable environment for the embryo.

The fertilized egg cell divides rapidly and then passes through the Fallopian tube into the uterus, where it attaches to the uterine wall. The attachment site provides nourishment to the rapidly developing fetus and becomes the placenta.

6. The endometrium is the superficial lining of the uterus. During pregnancy, the glands and blood vessels in the endometrium further increase in size and number. Vascular spaces fuse and become interconnected, forming the placenta, which supplies oxygen and nutrition to the embryo and fetus. Therefore the main function of the endometrium is to receive, and prepare for the fertilized ovum, and then help form the placenta.

7. The myometrium is the muscular wall of the uterus. This layer lies between the endometrium, which is the internal layer of glands lining the uterus, and the outer membranous layer known as the perimetrium. During pregnancy, this structure stretches and expands to accommodate the growing fetus. It thins out but still provides structure to the uterus. The layer contains arteries that receive blood from larger arteries and then carries it to the placenta, which supports the fetus. Once a pregnancy is full term and it is time to give birth, the myometrium is key to the labor process. The muscles must contract to successfully push the baby from the uterus. Once the baby has been delivered, the muscles of the myometrium will continue to contract to push out the placenta.