Final answer:
The oocyte travels through the Fallopian tube to reach the uterine cavity after ovulation. The fimbriae of the Fallopian tube help sweep the egg into the tube, where cilia and muscle contractions assist in its transport toward the uterus. Fertilization often occurs within this tube before the embryo proceeds to the uterus.
Step-by-step explanation:
After ovulation, the oocyte travels through the Fallopian tube to reach the uterine cavity. The Fallopian tube, also known as the uterine tube or oviduct, plays a crucial role in the reproductive process. When the oocyte is released at ovulation, the fimbriae—fringe-like ends of the Fallopian tube—sweep the egg inside of the tube, where it begins its journey toward the uterus. If fertilization occurs, it typically happens within the Fallopian tube, and the resulting embryo then moves toward the uterus for further development.
The journey of the oocyte through the Fallopian tube to the uterus is facilitated by cilia lining the inside of the tube that beat rhythmically and smooth muscle contractions. These actions are coordinated and induced by high concentrations of estrogen that occur around the time of ovulation. The non-motile oocyte is assisted in this way to move towards the uterus. When an embryo is to embed in the uterus for development, this also inherently occurs from successful fertilization events within the Fallopian tube.