Fallopian Tube and Broad Ligament:Non—Neoplastic Conditions

Abstract

The Fallopian tube extends from the ostium laterally to the uterine cornu medially and comprises four sections, the infundibulum, into which the ostium opens, the ampulla, which is the longest section, the isthmus and the interstitial part which lies within the uterine musculature. The wall is formed by an inner mucosa, an intermediate muscular layer and a serosal covering. The mucosa is thrown into a series of folds or plicae which are simple and few in the medial portion of the tube, but more complex and numerous laterally. The muscular wall comprises a well-defined inner, circular layer and a filamentous, ill-defined, outer longitudinal layer. A second longitudinal layer lies deep to the circular muscle in the interstitial and proximal parts of the tube where its filaments extend into the mucosal folds. The tubal ostium is surrounded by a series of finger-like projections, the fimbria, and it is not unusual to see vestigial, non-communicating accessory ostia adjacent to the definitive ostium. Walthard’s rests, which appear as sago-like granules on the tubal serosa, are so common as to be regarded as normal.