Where does fertilization of the egg typically occur?

Fertilization of the egg typically occurs in the fallopian tubes. This setting is essential for the process, as the fallopian tubes are the structures that connect the ovaries to the uterus. After an ovary releases an egg during ovulation, the egg is captured by the fimbriae of the fallopian tube. Sperm, introduced into the female reproductive tract during intercourse, swim through the cervix and uterus to reach the fallopian tubes, where they may encounter the egg. If a sperm successfully penetrates the egg, fertilization occurs in this ideal location.

This process is crucial because the fallopian tubes not only provide a conducive environment for fertilization but also support the early stages of cell division that occur shortly after fertilization. After this, the fertilized egg (now a zygote) moves down into the uterus for implantation, where it can develop into an embryo.