What is the primary function of the oviduct?

The primary function of the oviduct, also known as the fallopian tube, is to serve as the site of fertilization. After ovulation, when a mature egg is released from the ovary, it is captured by the fimbriae of the oviduct. The oviduct is crucial because it provides the environment in which the sperm can meet and fertilize the egg. This fertilization typically occurs within the ampulla, the wider section of the oviduct, before the fertilized egg moves towards the uterus for implantation.

While the other functions, such as connecting the ovary to the uterus and storing oocytes, are relevant to the reproductive process, they do not accurately capture the primary and most vital role of the oviduct in fertilization. The release of mature eggs into the uterus is primarily the function of the uterus, not the oviduct. Therefore, the correct understanding of the role of the oviduct emphasizes its function as the site where sperm and egg unite, leading to fertilization.