æðarflæði

Aðarflæði is an Icelandic term that translates to "egg flow" or "flow of eggs." In a biological context, it refers to the process by which eggs are transported from the ovary to the uterus, and eventually expelled from the body. This process is a crucial part of the female reproductive cycle in many animal species, including birds, reptiles, and mammals.

In birds, æðarflæði is particularly well-studied due to the importance of egg production. After ovulation, the egg yolk enters the oviduct, where it is surrounded by albumen (egg white) and then enclosed by membranes and the shell. The muscular contractions of the oviduct, along with cilia, propel the egg along its journey, which can take several hours. Hormonal signals play a significant role in regulating the speed and efficiency of this flow.

In mammals, the analogous process involves the transport of an ovulated egg from the ovary through the fallopian tube (oviduct) to the uterus. While the term æðarflæði is not typically used in mammalian biology, the underlying concept of gamete transport is fundamental to fertilization and pregnancy. The movement of the egg is facilitated by fimbriae at the end of the fallopian tube and the muscular contractions of the tube itself. The timing of æðarflæði is closely synchronized with the female's estrous or menstrual cycle, ensuring that the egg is in the right place at the right time for potential fertilization. Disruptions to this flow can lead to reproductive issues.