Uterine tube


a pregnancy developing in the Fallopian tube or another abnormal location outside the uterus.

These tubes bear the name of Gabriele Falloppio (also spelled Falloppia), a 16th-century (c. 1523-62) Italian physician and surgeon who was expert in anatomy, physiology and pharmacology. He was an early expert on syphilis and one of the great surgeons of the age. Of the various works by Falloppio only the “Observationes anatomicae”, a work of great originality, was published during his lifetime. In it he made a number of contributions to the knowledge of centers of ossification, to the detailed account of muscles, and to the understanding of the vascular system and the kidneys. His description of the uterine tubes was sufficiently accurate that they bear his name. With Vesalius and Eustachi, Fallopio is often seen as one of the three heroes of anatomy. (Historical information based on the Catalog of the Scientific Community of the 16th and 17th Centuries by Richard S Westfall for the Galileo Project.)

Read Also:

  • Uteroglobin

    A protein that is induced by progesterone and binds it and that inhibits the enzyme phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Uteroglobin was first found to be secreted by the lining of the uterus in rabbits. The gene for uteroglobin is on chromosome 11 in region 11q12.3-q13.1. It is also called blastokinin.

  • Uterus

    A hollow, pear-shaped organ that is located in a woman’s lower abdomen, between the bladder and the rectum. The narrow lower portion of the uterus is the cervix (the neck of the uterus). The broader upper part is the corpus, which is made up of three layers of tissue. In women of childbearing age, the […]

  • Uterus, contraction of the

    (1) they cause the cervix to thin and dilate (open); and (2) they help the baby to descend into the birth canal. Uterine contractions also occur during the monthly menstrual cycle and are recognized as menstrual cramps.

  • Uterus, prolapsed

    A uterus that has moved from its normal position in the abdominal cavity into a different position, usually a lower position. Prolapsed uterus may occur because of underlying weak muscles or simply as a result of repeated term pregnancies. It can sometimes interfere with conception, cause difficulties during pregnancy, and contribute to pelvic pain. A […]

  • Uterus, tipped

    A slight to dramatic placement of the uterus that orients it toward the back. A tipped uterus is common and usually causes no difficulty. In severe cases, it can affect choice of birth control method and cause pain in the pelvic area, especially during intercourse. Also known as uterine retroversion.


Disclaimer: Uterine tube definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.