No abstract

Summary Epithelium from human Fallopian tubes was examined to determine the ratio of ciliated to secretory cells. A comparison was made between results from oviducts from women at different stages of the menstrual cycle, and also between the fimbrial, ampullary and isthmic regions of the oviduct. A high percentage of ciliated cells was found in each case, including the isthmic region, with little difference seen throughout the cycle. The role of cilia in ovum transport is discussed.

Summary Ciliary activity of the human oviduct was investigated using a cinematographic technique. Oviducts from preovulatory, postovulatory and puerperal subjects were analyzed and the fimbrial, ampullary and isthmic regions were compared. It was found that cilia beat more rapidly after ovulation, this difference being significant in both ampullary and isthmic regions, but not in the fimbriae. The implications of these findings are discussed.