The reproductive significance of human Fallopian tube cilia

Effective tubal transport of ova, sperm and embryos is a prerequisite for successful spontaneous pregnancy. Although there is much yet to be discovered about the mechanisms involved, it is evident that tubal transit is a far more complicated process than initially thought. Propulsion of gametes and...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Human reproduction update 2006-07, Vol.12 (4), p.363-372
Main Authors: Lyons, R.A., Saridogan, E., Djahanbakhch, O.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
chlamydia
Chlamydia - pathogenicity
Chlamydia Infections
cilia
Cilia - diagnostic imaging
Cilia - physiology
ectopic pregnancy
Endometriosis - physiopathology
Fallopian tube
Fallopian Tube Diseases - microbiology
Fallopian Tubes - cytology
Fallopian Tubes - microbiology
Fallopian Tubes - physiology
Female
Humans
Infertility, Female - etiology
Infertility, Female - pathology
Male
Menstrual Cycle - physiology
Neisseria gonorrhoeae - pathogenicity
Pregnancy
Pregnancy, Ectopic
Smoking - adverse effects
Spermatozoa - physiology
tubal infertility
Ultrasonography
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Effective tubal transport of ova, sperm and embryos is a prerequisite for successful spontaneous pregnancy. Although there is much yet to be discovered about the mechanisms involved, it is evident that tubal transit is a far more complicated process than initially thought. Propulsion of gametes and embryos is achieved by complex interaction between muscle contractions, ciliary activity and the flow of tubal secretions. Evidence is accumulating of the important and possibly pre-eminent role of ciliary motion in this process; and this review describes current knowledge about ciliary activity and its physiological regulation. There is also a description of the effects on ciliary function of cigarette smoking and various pathological states, including endometriosis and microbial infection, with consideration given as to how altered ciliary activity may impact upon fertility.
ISSN:1355-4786
1460-2369
DOI:10.1093/humupd/dml012