A theoretical fluid dynamical model of ovum transport in the oviduct incorporating transport mechanisms due to ciliary activity, muscular activity and an applied pressure drop across the oviduct is developed. Theory suggests that the cilia provide the steady component of ovum transport whereas muscular activity results in highly oscillatory motion. If muscular activity is to provide transport in a pro-uterine direction, a coordinated sequence of muscular activity with a strong pro-uterine bias is needed. Changes in pressure are highest in the narrowest sections. The highly convoluted rugae may allow “leakback” around the ovum so relieving the pressure drop across the ovum in narrower sections of the oviduct.

From a brief historical survey we extract the basic requirements considered essential for any satisfactory capillary flow model. Within this framework we construct a model incorporating a revised version of the lubricated-cell model matched with improved bolus flow calculations. Pressure-flow relations are discussed for uniform trains of cells and plasma in very narrow capillaries (diameter less than 7.5 μm). Resistances obtained compare favourably with recently published experimental results.

Cell MotilityVolume 2, Issue S1 p. 53-57 Epithelial Cilia and Ciliary Transport Mechanics of ovum transport in the oviduct P. G. Vann, P. G. Vann Department of Mathematics, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorJ. R. Blake, J. R. Blake Department of Mathematics, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this author P. G. Vann, P. G. Vann Department of Mathematics, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorJ. R. Blake, J. R. Blake Department of Mathematics, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 1982 https://doi.org/10.1002/cm.970020712Citations: 2AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume2, IssueS1Supplement: Mechanism and Control of Ciliary Movement1982Pages 53-57 RelatedInformation