Ventral view, right side

The uterine tube may also be referred to as fallopian tube or oviduct.  The uterine tube is an accessory sex organ.  It has embryological origins from the Mullerian duct.  In the human it is about 4 inches long (10 cm) and is found in the superior border of the broad ligament of the uterus.  Functionally it is important because it receives the ovum form the ovary and it is in its distal (lateral) third that fertilization normally occurs, this area being called the ampulla.  The infundibulum is the lateral extremity of the uterine tube and medially it connects to the uterus.  The uterine tube is lined with ciliated epithelium that propels the ovum or zygote toward the uterus.  In addition to the cilia, peristaltic waves of contraction of the smooth muscle in the uterine tube wall aid in transporting the ovum.  It is supported by the mesosalpinx, which is part of the broad ligament of the uterus (peritoneum).