Anatomy
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What is the Fimbria?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Fimbria is a Latin word meaning “fringe” that is used to describe several different anatomical structures that are characterized by a fringe-like appearance. These include structures in the human brain and female reproductive system, as well as fimbriae found on some bacteria. The function of the structure depends on the organism. The practice of using the same Latin word to refer to different structures that have similar appearances or functions is very common in anatomical terminology.

In human beings, fimbriae are seen in the brain and in the fallopian tubes. The fimbria in the brain is located along the edge of the hippocampus, a structure that contributes to memory formation. This anatomical feature is made up of white matter and acts as a pathway for transmitting information. In people with brain damage, this area of the anatomy can be damaged, leading to problems with memory formation and recall. Certain neurodegenerative diseases can also damage the white matter in the fimbria.

A woman's fallopian tubes contain fimbria.
A woman's fallopian tubes contain fimbria.

In the female reproductive tract, the fimbria is located at the end of the fallopian tube. It responds to changing levels of sex hormones to swell at the time of ovulation in order to stimulate the ovary so that it will release an egg. Tiny hair-like structures called cilia are used to push the egg along the fallopian tube so it will reach the uterus, positioning it for fertilization. Errors in this process can lead to an egg settling in the fallopian tube, or to infertility.

Some bacteria contain fimbria.
Some bacteria contain fimbria.

Some gram negative bacteria also have fimbriae. In their case, the fringe is made from proteins and is used to help the bacteria adhere to each other to form bacterial mats, or to adhere to cells in a host. It may be located at either end of the organism or surround the entire bacterium, depending on the species. Bacteria with fimbriae are more virulent because they can attach themselves to cells in the body and stay there. Escherichia coli is an example of a bacterium that has a fimbria. Treatment for people and animals infected with such bacteria must be aggressive to dislodge or kill the bacteria.

The fimbria in the brain are located along the edge of the hippocampus.
The fimbria in the brain are located along the edge of the hippocampus.

Other animals and plants have fimbriae of their own. A genus of clams is named “Fimbria” after some distinctive anatomical features and some mosses have fringe-like structures as well. Usually, the area of the anatomy and the species involved are clear from the context of the discussion.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

widget2010

In some organisms, cilia is necessary for movement, leading to reproduction. In humans, cilia are part of fallopian tubes- again leading to reproduction. I think it's amazing that we could have this part of anatomy in common with tiny microbes.

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    • A woman's fallopian tubes contain fimbria.
      By: Alila Medical Media
      A woman's fallopian tubes contain fimbria.
    • Some bacteria contain fimbria.
      By: Alila Medical Media
      Some bacteria contain fimbria.
    • The fimbria in the brain are located along the edge of the hippocampus.
      By: pankajstock123
      The fimbria in the brain are located along the edge of the hippocampus.
    • Escherichia coli is an example of a bacterium that has a fimbria.
      By: 4designersart
      Escherichia coli is an example of a bacterium that has a fimbria.
    • The fimbria, which is located at the end of the fallopian tube, responds to changing levels of sex hormones to swell at the time of ovulation in order to stimulate the ovary so that it will release an egg.
      By: blueringmedia
      The fimbria, which is located at the end of the fallopian tube, responds to changing levels of sex hormones to swell at the time of ovulation in order to stimulate the ovary so that it will release an egg.
    • The fimbria responds to changing levels of sex hormones to swell at the time of ovulation in order to stimulate the ovary so that it will release an egg.
      By: joshya
      The fimbria responds to changing levels of sex hormones to swell at the time of ovulation in order to stimulate the ovary so that it will release an egg.