Fimbriae of a fallopian tube, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Fimbriae are the folds at the opening (ostium) of a fallopian tube, next to an ovary. They help to guide a newly-released ovum (egg cell) into the tube itself. One fallopian tube runs from each ovary into the uterus (womb). Ova travel down the tubes into the uterus. If they encounter sperm on the way they may be fertilised, in which case they implant into the uterus wall and pregnancy begins. If not, they are expelled from the body in the next menstrual period.The epithelium consists of columnar cells, many of which have cilia (red). Coloured blue are the secretory cells with their microvilli projections. These cells secrete a substance that maintains a moist environment in the tube and may provide nutrients for the egg. Magnification: x1000 when printed 10cm wide.