Which of the following that transport the egg from the ovary to the uterus?

NVS Staff Nurse - 2022

Applied Anatomy

Easy

Appeared in: NVS Staff Nurse - 2022

Explanation

The Fallopian tubes, also known as uterine tubes, are the anatomical structures that connect the ovaries to the uterus.
After ovulation, the fimbriae (finger-like projections) of the fallopian tube capture the egg.
The egg is then propelled toward the uterus by the coordinated action of cilia (tiny hairs) and muscular contractions (peristalsis) of the tube wall.
This journey through the fallopian tube is also where fertilization by a sperm typically occurs.

Option A: Sperms are the male reproductive cells. Their function is to travel through the female reproductive tract to reach and fertilize the egg, not to transport the egg.
Option C: The ovaries are the female gonads responsible for producing and releasing eggs (ova) and female hormones. They are the starting point of the egg's journey, not the transport system.
Option D: Endometrial tissue is the specialized lining of the uterus. Its function is to prepare for and support the implantation of a fertilized egg. It is the destination for the egg, not the means of transport.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy and function of the female reproductive system as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the fallopian tube's transport function is critical for counseling patients on fertility. Blockages in the tubes, often caused by Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) or endometriosis, are a common cause of infertility because they prevent the egg and sperm from meeting.
Knowledge of this pathway is essential for diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy, a medical emergency where a fertilized egg implants in the fallopian tube. Nurses must be aware of the signs (e.g., unilateral abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding) to ensure prompt intervention.
What if? If a patient undergoes a tubal ligation ('getting tubes tied'), the fallopian tubes are intentionally blocked or cut. This prevents the egg from traveling to the uterus and sperm from reaching the egg, serving as a permanent method of contraception.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key action and structures in the question: the action is 'transport,' and the path is from the 'ovary' to the 'uterus' for the 'egg'.
The question is asking for the anatomical bridge between the ovary and the uterus.
Consider the function of each option provided.
Eliminate 'Sperms' as they are male gametes that travel to the egg.
Eliminate 'Ovaries' as they produce the egg but do not transport it.
Eliminate 'Endometrial Tissue' as it is the lining of the uterus, the destination, not the transport path.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q82JUX57uLYuwmekwP8UtJ

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 389-391

E6 Physiology Ganong 27e Vol 2 Part 3 p. 150-151