Final answer:
The primary function of the uterine tubes (fallopian tubes or oviducts) is to transport the oocyte from the ovary to the uterus. Fertilization typically occurs within the fallopian tubes, specifically in the ampulla section. The fallopian tubes are lined with cilia and smooth muscles to facilitate this transport.
Step-by-step explanation:
Main Function of Uterine Tubes in Female Reproductive System
The uterine tubes (also known as fallopian tubes or oviducts) play a critical role in the female reproductive system. They are a pair of narrow tubes that serve as a pathway for the oocyte (or egg) to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. The fimbriae, which are finger-like projections at the end of each tube near the ovaries, assist in sweeping the oocyte into the tube. The fertilization of the egg by the sperm typically occurs within the fallopian tube, more specifically in the ampulla, which is the wider, middle section of the tube.
Once fertilization occurs, the resulting embryo is transported towards the uterus where it may implant into the uterine lining and develop further. If the egg is not fertilized, it will continue its journey to the uterus and eventually be shed during menstruation. The walls of the fallopian tubes are lined with cilia and smooth muscle that help move the egg toward the uterus. This journey can take about a week, and it is in the fallopian tubes that an egg has the potential to meet and join with sperm, thus beginning the process of conception.