The fimbriae of the uterine tube, also known as fimbriae tubae, are small, fingerlike projections at the end of the fallopian tubes. They are connected to the ovary.

Small epithelial cells—those that line cavities throughout the body—with small, slender cilia, or small protuberances, pulsate inside the fallopian tubes to move the ovum, or egg, from the ovary to the uterus.

As there is no direct connection between the ovaries and fallopian tubes (also known as uterine tubes or oviducts), the egg is transported to the uterus in a peritoneal fluid produced by the fimbriae on the edge of the tube’s opening.

Because the ovum cannot move by itself, the sweeping movement of the cilia of the fimbriae dictates its movement. It generally takes about five days for an egg to leave the ovary and land in the uterus.

Once in the uterus, the egg can be fertilized with a man’s sperm during intercourse. If the egg is not fertilized, it will be discarded during menstruation.