Uterotubal junction
Encyclopedia
The Uterotubal junction or Utero-tubal junction is the connection between the endometrial cavity of the uterus
and the fallopian tube
at the proximal tubal opening, the beginning of the intramural part of the fallopian tube. Histologically , the endometrial epithelium
changes over to the ciliated tubal epithelium.
) and surgical intervention.
Mouse studies have indicated that selective passage of individual spermatozoa may occur at this junction,, with abnormal morphology being identified as a significant selection criterion, leading to predominantly normal sperm
passing towards the ovum
.. Absence of the protein calmegin has also been suggested as a critical factor for reliable sperm passage.
and the entry point for tubal cannulation and falloposcopy. Contraceptive methods have been developed to block the utero-tubal junction.
Uterus
The uterus or womb is a major female hormone-responsive reproductive sex organ of most mammals including humans. One end, the cervix, opens into the vagina, while the other is connected to one or both fallopian tubes, depending on the species...
and the fallopian tube
Fallopian tube
The Fallopian tubes, also known as oviducts, uterine tubes, and salpinges are two very fine tubes lined with ciliated epithelia, leading from the ovaries of female mammals into the uterus, via the utero-tubal junction...
at the proximal tubal opening, the beginning of the intramural part of the fallopian tube. Histologically , the endometrial epithelium
Epithelium
Epithelium is one of the four basic types of animal tissue, along with connective tissue, muscle tissue and nervous tissue. Epithelial tissues line the cavities and surfaces of structures throughout the body, and also form many glands. Functions of epithelial cells include secretion, selective...
changes over to the ciliated tubal epithelium.
Function
Patency of the utero-tubal junction is necessary for normal reproduction. The tubes can get blocked here by infection (salpingitisSalpingitis
Salpingitis is an infection and inflammation in the fallopian tubes. It is often used synonymously with Pelvic inflammatory disease , although PID lacks an accurate definition and can refer to several diseases of the female upper genital tract, such as endometritis, oophoritis, myometritis,...
) and surgical intervention.
Mouse studies have indicated that selective passage of individual spermatozoa may occur at this junction,, with abnormal morphology being identified as a significant selection criterion, leading to predominantly normal sperm
Sperm
The term sperm is derived from the Greek word sperma and refers to the male reproductive cells. In the types of sexual reproduction known as anisogamy and oogamy, there is a marked difference in the size of the gametes with the smaller one being termed the "male" or sperm cell...
passing towards the ovum
Ovum
An ovum is a haploid female reproductive cell or gamete. Both animals and embryophytes have ova. The term ovule is used for the young ovum of an animal, as well as the plant structure that carries the female gametophyte and egg cell and develops into a seed after fertilization...
.. Absence of the protein calmegin has also been suggested as a critical factor for reliable sperm passage.
Other
The utero-tubal junction is accessible by hysteroscopyHysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy is the inspection of the uterine cavity by endoscopy with access through the cervix. It allows for the diagnosis of intrauterine pathology and serves as a method for surgical intervention .-Method:...
and the entry point for tubal cannulation and falloposcopy. Contraceptive methods have been developed to block the utero-tubal junction.