Where does fertilization typically occur in the female reproductive system?

Fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tubes, which are the structures that connect the ovaries to the uterus. After ovulation, the released egg is picked up by the fimbriae of the fallopian tube. The sperm travels through the female reproductive tract after intercourse and can meet the egg within this tube. This is the ideal location for fertilization as it provides a suitable environment for the sperm to reach the egg and for the fertilized egg (now called a zygote) to begin its development.

The ovaries are responsible for producing and releasing eggs but are not the site of fertilization. The uterus is where a fertilized egg implants and develops but not where the actual fertilization occurs. The cervix serves as a passage between the vagina and the uterus and also plays roles in protection and sometimes in sperm selection, but it does not facilitate fertilization. Understanding these anatomical functions clarifies why the fallopian tubes are specifically designed for the process of fertilization.