ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Uterine tube (oviduct)
;
Isthmic myosalpinx
;
Smooth muscle cells
;
Embryo transport
;
Scanning electron microscopy
;
Human
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The three-dimensional architecture of the human isthmic myosalpinx is directly visualized by means of scanning electron microscopy after removal of interstitial connective tissue through NaOH maceration and ultrasound microdissection. These investigations show that the myosalpinx is composed of irregularly running bundles of smooth muscle cells, changing their orientation within the myosalpinx and displaying longitudinal, oblique and circular directions. The muscular bundles anastomose and intermingle with other bundles running at different levels in the oviduct wall, and actually give rise to a wide and complex muscular network in which no distinct layers are readily discernible. These morphological data are consistent with the physiological findings that the transport of gametes and embryo in very early stages in the isthmic portion of the oviduct tube is the result of a discontinuous pattern of forward and backward movements.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00678727
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