What it means
Named after Gabriele Falloppio, the Italian anatomist who described them; also called uterine tubes. Finger-like ends sweep the released egg in, and the tube moves it toward the uterus over a few days. Sperm usually meet the egg in the tube. Scarring from infection can block the tubes, causing infertilityin-fer-TIL-ih-teeNot being able to become pregnant after a year of regular sex without birth control, or after six months for women over 35.Full entry or ectopic pregnancyek-TOP-ik PREG-nun-seeA pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube.ec- outtop/o place-ic relating toFull entry . Tying or removing them (tubal ligation) is a permanent form of birth control.
At a glance
| Spanish | trompa de Falopio |
|---|---|
| Also written | fallopian tubes, uterine tube, uterine tubes, oviduct |
Related terms
infertility
Not being able to become pregnant after a year of regular sex without birth control, or after six months for women over 35.
pelvic inflammatory disease
Infection of the female upper reproductive organs: the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
ectopic pregnancy
A pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube.
ovulation
The release of a mature egg from an ovary, usually once in each menstrual cycle.