1. Defect

The tube may be absent on either side if there is a corresponding defect of one-half of the uterus, but this certainly is not always the case, inasmuch as it is not only often present when there is not even a trace of a uterine rudiment, but as it may exist in the shape of a solitary coiled tubercle even when the ovary is wanting.

In many cases the Fallopian tube may be imperfectly developed, its coat thin, its parenchyma impoverished, and its passage narrowed; or the uterus being normal, it may merely appear as an excrescence of the former, terminating blindly above the uterine horn, or it may be inserted either at its normal place, or elsewhere, without presenting an open channel.

When a Fallopian tube is absent, the peritoneum occasionally presents a fringed process, in imitation of the morsus diaboli.

2. Anomalies Of Calibre

These consist in dilatation or contraction of the Fallopian tube; in the latter case obliteration may result.

The former is very commonly the consequence of a catarrh of the tube owing to retention of the mucous secretion from contraction, obliteration or obturation of the orifices; it may degenerate into dropsy of the tube, an affection of which we shall say more at a future period.

The latter consists - independent of the natural contraction of the tube in the decline of life - chiefly in a diminution of the passages by tumefaction of the mucous membrane, or in obstruction of the same by mucus. The contraction may pass into complete closure or obliteration of the tubes; it chiefly affects the uterine orifice in consequence of catarrh; the fimbriated extremity is often closed up by cellular formations, or organized peritoneal exudation (atresia tubae). The imperforate condition of the Fallopian tubes is of importance in regard to sterility.

3. Anomalies Of Position And Direction

Under this head we reckon the very unusual congenital irregularities in the entrance of the tube into the uterus, whether communicating with the cavity of the latter, or terminating in its tissue blindly.

Among the acquired abnormities the deflections and curvatures of the tubes become the more important, the more the unattached end of the tube is turned away from the ovary and fixed in its abnormal position by the products of peritoneal inflammation. It is found variously agglutinated to the neighboring tissues, and is particularly apt to become reverted upon and fixed to the posterior surface of the broad ligament, the ovary, and the uterus.

In consequence of chronic catarrh, or tubercular disease of its mucous membrane, accompanied by hypertrophy or thickening of its parietes, the Fallopian tube is apt to assume a serpentine tortuous course. Or if the ovary enlarges, it may be extended to an unusual length, and its coats thinned; and if it happens to wind round the former, it is much stretched.

The tube has, like the ovary, occasionally been found in the abdominal ring, within an inguinal hernia.