Which structure carries oocytes from the ovary toward the uterus?

Which structure carries oocytes from the ovary toward the uterus?

• A. Broad ligament
• B. Round ligament
• C. Fallopian tube
• D. Cervix

Answer: (C)

The structure that carries oocytes from the ovary toward the uterus is the fallopian tube, also called the oviduct. After ovulation, the oocyte is released into the peritoneal cavity and the fimbriae of the fimbrial end of the tube sweep it into the infundibulum. From there, the oocyte is moved along by ciliary beating of the tubal epithelium and by smooth muscle contractions of the tube, traveling through the ampulla and into the isthmus on its way to the uterine cavity. Fertilization typically occurs in the ampulla. The broad ligament is a peritoneal fold that supports the uterus and contains the fallopian tube among other structures but does not itself transport the ovulated oocyte. The round ligament runs from the uterus to the labia majora, and the cervix is the lower part of the uterus that leads to the vagina; neither is involved in carrying oocytes.

The structure that carries oocytes from the ovary toward the uterus is the fallopian tube, also called the oviduct. After ovulation, the oocyte is released into the peritoneal cavity and the fimbriae of the fimbrial end of the tube sweep it into the infundibulum. From there, the oocyte is moved along by ciliary beating of the tubal epithelium and by smooth muscle contractions of the tube, traveling through the ampulla and into the isthmus on its way to the uterine cavity. Fertilization typically occurs in the ampulla.

The broad ligament is a peritoneal fold that supports the uterus and contains the fallopian tube among other structures but does not itself transport the ovulated oocyte. The round ligament runs from the uterus to the labia majora, and the cervix is the lower part of the uterus that leads to the vagina; neither is involved in carrying oocytes.