In: Anatomy and Physiology
.1. a)What region of the uterine tube does fertilization typically take place?
b) Why do you think that an ectopic pregnancy not be sustained?
1. a) There are 4 parts of uterine or fallopian tube, isthmus, ampulla, infundibulum, fimbriae. Both the sperm and ovum gets transported upto the ampulla due to sperms motility and the contractions of uterine tube where fertilisation takes place. Earlier it was believed fertilisation took place at the ampullo-isthmic junction but now it is believed to be at the ampulla only.
b) Ectopic pregnancy is defined as the condition in which the implantation of the embryo occurs at a site other than the uterine endometrium. Mostly 99% of ectopic pregnancy occurs in the uterine tube. Ectopic pregnancy will not be sustained because of the following reasons:
1) Uterine tubes do not have a thick endometrium which is required for nourishment and developement of the embryo.
2) The diameter of uterine tubes are very less compared to the uterine body thus there is a constant risk of rupture.
3) There is abnormal formation of placenta due to inadequacy of vessels at the site of implantation in ectopic pregnancy.
4) Motility of the uterine tube is inefficiently inhibited in comparison to inhibition of the utetine contractions.