fallopian tube

fallopian tube One of the two tubes that transport eggs from the ovary to the uterus. The Fallopian tubes have small hair-like projections called cilia on the cells of the lining. These tubal cilia are essential to the movement of the egg through the tube and into the uterus. If the tubal cilia are damaged by infection, an egg may not be pushed along normally but may stay in the tube. Infection can also cause partial or complete blockage of the tube with scar tissue, physically preventing eggs from getting to the uterus. Infection, endometriosis, tumors, scar tissue in the pelvis (pelvic adhesions), and any other process that damages a Fallopian tube or narrows its diameter increase the chance of an ectopic pregnancy. See also ectopic pregnancy.