A Biophysicist's View of Ovum Transport

Abstract

Experimental evidence justifying the selection of primary variables in ovum isthmic transport is evaluated. Peristaltic pumping alone cannot account for the observed ovum motions, however, the theory of pressure forcing of pellets through narrow tubes when combined with the dynamic and motile properties of the mucosal and muscular layers of the isthmus, appears capable of modeling the physiological mechanism. In this model the hormonally dependent tubal compliance is a controlling element of transport rate. The contractile activity statistically distributed both spatially and temporally, provides a persistent though irregular directionality to the movement.

The Effect of Aging on Tubal Function and Ectopic Pregnancy

“…Other properties of tubal secretions such as direction of flow and mechanical lubrication may be important to ovum transport in the mammalian oviduct and deserve future study. 31…”

Endocrine Response in the Fallopian Tube

“…The ovum, when present in the tubal lumen, causes distortion of the endosalpingeal folds in the ampulla and an increase in the lumen's internal dimensions in the isthmus (162,163). It is apparent, therefore, that the tube might impede ovum transport by the rigidity of its walls or the viscosity of its luminal secretions (164). Tubal wall compliance and tubal luminal contents are normally both dependent on hormonal control.…”

Motion of a tightly fitting axisymmetric object through a lubricated elastic tube

“…The related problem of pressure-driven motion of close-fitting vesicles in tubes has been analysed using both asymptotic analysis (Barakat & Shaqfeh 2018 a ) and numerical simulations (Barakat & Shaqfeh 2018 b ). By contrast, Chatkoff (1975) considered a different driving mechanism: the motion of ovoids through tubes deforming peristaltically. Takagi & Balmforth (2011) analysed the peristaltic pumping of a small (i.e.…”