Where in the female reproductive system does fertilisation normally take place? What is the immediate outcome after the egg is fertilised at that site?
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 01:01 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Fertilisation normally takes place in the oviduct (fallopian tube).
After the egg is fertilised there, it becomes a zygote, which immediately starts dividing to form a ball of cells called an embryo. This embryo then travels to the uterus and gets implanted in its lining.
Source: Chapter 7, Section 7.3.3(b) — Female Reproductive System
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Explanation
- Examiners expect two clear points for 2 marks: (1) site = oviduct/fallopian tube and (2) immediate outcome = zygote formation → cell division → embryo.
- A common mistake is saying fertilisation occurs in the uterus — it does not; implantation does.
- The word "immediate" outcome means zygote/cell division, not implantation (that comes later). Mention both zygote and division to be safe.