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Fallopian tubes

A woman's two fallopian tubes lead upward from each upper side of the uterus and end near the ovaries. When an egg is released by an ovary (ovulation), it travels down a fallopian tube toward the uterus.

After ovulation, egg fertilization usually happens in a fallopian tube. The fertilized egg then travels to the uterus, where it implants and grows. If a woman's fallopian tubes are blocked by scar tissue, such as from pelvic inflammatory disease, she may be unable to become pregnant or have a tubal (ectopic) pregnancy.

Author Jeannette Curtis
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Last Updated May 25, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 25, 2007
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