The tubes can get blocked here by infection (salpingitis) and surgical intervention may be necessary.
Mouse studies have indicated that selective passage of individual spermatozoa may occur at this junction,[1] with abnormal morphology being identified as a significant selection criterion, leading to predominantly normal sperm passing towards the ovum.
[2] Absence of the protein calmegin has also been suggested as a critical factor for reliable sperm passage.
[1] The uterotubal junction is accessible by hysteroscopy and the entry point for tubal cannulation and falloposcopy.
Contraceptive methods have been developed to block the uterotubal junction.