Munajohtimen

Munajohtimen is the Finnish term referring to the fallopian tube, the paired tubular structures of the female reproductive system that connect the ovaries to the uterus. Each tube conducts the ovum from the ovary toward the uterine cavity and provides the usual site for fertilization. Anatomically a fallopian tube is divided into the infundibulum (with fimbriae), ampulla, isthmus and intramural (uterine) part. The mucosal lining has rugae and is composed of ciliated and secretory epithelial cells; coordinated ciliary action and smooth muscle contractions propel gametes and early embryos.

Functionally, the tube captures the ovulated oocyte, supports sperm capacitation and fertilization—most commonly in the ampulla—and transports the resulting zygote to the uterus for implantation. Normal tubal function is important for fertility; damage or obstruction can cause infertility or increase the risk of ectopic (tubal) pregnancy.

Clinical relevance includes inflammatory conditions such as salpingitis, commonly linked to sexually transmitted infections, surgical sterilization by tubal ligation, and tubal factor infertility. Diagnostic methods for assessing tubal patency include hysterosalpingography, sonographic techniques and diagnostic laparoscopy. When tubal pathology prevents natural conception, assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization are commonly used to bypass the tubes. Embryologically, the fallopian tubes develop from the paramesonephric (Müllerian) ducts.