Findings

At low power, a cross-section of the ampulla of the uterine tube shows the characteristic features of its wall. Note the highly-folded mucosa that partitions the lumen into numerous compartments, the thick smooth muscle layers of the muscularis containing many blood vessels and the surrounding serosa.

Comment

The uterine (Fallopian) tubes extend from the uterus to the ovaries. After ovulation, the uterine tube transports the oocyte from the ovary to the uterus and provides an environment conducive to fertilization and initial development of ova.

Preparation

Paraffin section, hematoxylin and eosin

View

Low-power light microscopy

Specimen

Fallopian tube

Image Credit

V. Eroschenko, Ph.D.
Department of Biological Sciences
WAMI Medical Program
University of Idaho