North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

In what location does fertilization occur in the female reproductive system?

1. Inside the ovary

2. In the uterus

3. In the cervix

4. In the fallopian tube

The correct answer is: In the fallopian tube

Fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube, which is the correct answer. This is the anatomical site where the sperm meets the ovum (egg) following ovulation. Once an ovary releases an egg, it is captured by the fimbriae of the fallopian tube and transported into the tube. If sperm are present in the reproductive tract, they swim up through the uterus and into the fallopian tubes, where fertilization typically takes place within the first 12 to 24 hours after ovulation. The other locations mentioned—such as the ovary, uterus, and cervix—are all important parts of the female reproductive system but do not serve as the site for fertilization. The ovaries are where eggs are produced and released, the uterus is where the fertilized egg implants and develops if fertilization occurs, and the cervix acts as a passageway between the vagina and uterus but does not facilitate fertilization itself.