An egg cell that is not fertilized follows which path? a. ovary, oviduct, uterus, cervix; b. ovary, uterus, oviduct, cervix; c. oviduct, ovary, cervix, uterus; d. oviduct, ovary, uterus, cervix; e. ovary, oviduct, cervix, uterus

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the starting point of the egg cell, which is the ovary where eggs are produced.
2. Determine the next location the egg travels to after the ovary. In the female reproductive system, the egg moves into the oviduct (also known as the fallopian tube) where fertilization typically occurs.
3. After passing through the oviduct, the egg, if not fertilized, continues its path to the uterus. The uterus is where a fertilized egg would normally implant and develop.
4. Consider the role of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. The cervix does not play a direct role in the path of an unfertilized egg as it travels through the reproductive system.
5. Using the information from the previous steps, choose the option that correctly lists the path of an unfertilized egg: ovary, oviduct, uterus, cervix.

Key Concepts

Ovarian Cycle

The ovarian cycle involves the maturation of egg cells (oocytes) within the ovaries. Each month, a follicle develops and releases an egg during ovulation. If the egg is not fertilized, it will not proceed through the reproductive tract, making understanding this cycle essential for answering the question.

Reproductive Tract Pathway

The reproductive tract pathway describes the route an egg cell takes through the female reproductive system. After ovulation, if the egg is not fertilized, it typically moves from the ovary to the oviduct, but it will not continue to the uterus, cervix, or vagina, which is crucial for determining the correct answer.

Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is the monthly series of changes in the female reproductive system, including the preparation of the uterus for potential pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, the egg disintegrates, and the cycle continues, highlighting the importance of understanding the timing and pathways involved in egg transport.