Location

There are two fallopian tubes in a woman's body, one on either side of the uterus. Fallopian tubes are stretched between the uterus and the ovaries.

Size

Fallopian tubes are about 4 inches in length and are only about as thick as a piece of spaghetti, according to KidsHealth.org.

Ovulation

At the time of ovulation, the ovary produces an egg, which is captured by the end of the fallopian tube. Muscle contractions and tiny hairs lining the tube move the egg to the uterus. This process takes about one week, according to the Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center.

Fertilization

Fallopian tubes are the site of fertilization. A sperm can journey through the fallopian tubes to meet with an egg. Once the fertilized egg reaches the uterus, it implants itself into the uterine lining.

Complications

One of the problems that may occur with the fallopian tubes is an ectopic pregnancy, which is a result of a fertilized egg being blocked in the fallopian tubes. This is more likely to occur if a woman has had surgery or infection in the fallopian tubes or a past ectopic pregnancy. In an ectopic pregnancy, the embryo cannot be carried to term and it must be removed through a surgical procedure.

Source:

Kids Health: Female Reproductive System

Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center: Fallopian Tubes

National Library of Medicine: Ectopic Pregnancy