Final answer:
The journey of the ovum post-ovulation passes through the fimbriae, infundibulum, ampulla, and finally to the uterus. The walls of the oviducts assist in this process through cilia movement and muscle contractions, and the journey typically takes about a week.
Step-by-step explanation:
To describe the journey of the ovum when released from the ovary, we consider the anatomical structures it passes through. Following ovulation, the ovum, or oocyte, is released into the pelvic cavity near the fimbriae, which are finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tube nearest the ovary. The fimbriae sweep the ovum into the fallopian tube, more specifically into the infundibulum, the widened end nearest the ovary. The ovum then travels through the ampulla, which is the main part of the fallopian tube where fertilization typically occurs if sperm are present. Finally, the ovum progresses to the uterus. The correct journey of the ovum post-ovulation is:
Fimbriae -> Infundibulum -> Ampulla -> Uterus
The walls of the oviducts have ciliated epithelium over smooth muscle which, along with muscle contraction, assists in moving the ovum or embryo towards the uterus. The process of the ovum traveling through the fallopian tube generally takes about a week.