The oviduct, also known as the fallopian tube or uterine tube, is a pair of slender tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus in the female reproductive system. The oviduct plays a crucial role in the process of fertilization, by providing a site where the sperm and egg can meet and facilitating the transport of the fertilized egg (zygote) to the uterus for implantation.

The anatomy of the oviduct can be divided into several parts, including:

Fimbriae: The oviduct opens into the peritoneal cavity through a funnel-shaped opening, surrounded by finger-like projections called fimbriae. The fimbriae help to capture the egg released from the ovary during ovulation and guide it into the oviduct.

Infundibulum: The funnel-shaped opening of the oviduct is called the infundibulum. It is the wide, trumpet-shaped end of the oviduct that is closest to the ovary.

Ampulla: The oviduct is divided into three sections: the infundibulum, the ampulla, and the isthmus. The ampulla is the middle and widest section of the oviduct where fertilization typically occurs. It has a highly folded, coiled structure that provides a large surface area for the egg and sperm to meet.

Isthmus: The isthmus is the narrowest part of the oviduct that connects the ampulla to the uterus.

The walls of the oviduct are composed of three layers: the mucosa, muscularis, and serosa. The mucosa is lined with ciliated epithelium and secretes mucus to help move the egg and sperm through the oviduct. The muscularis layer is made up of smooth muscle that contracts to propel the egg and sperm through the oviduct. The serosa is the outermost layer that covers the oviduct and helps to anchor it in place.

Overall, the anatomy of the oviduct is designed to facilitate the transport of the egg and sperm and provide a site for fertilization to occur. The highly folded and coiled structure of the ampulla, combined with the cilia and smooth muscle of the oviduct walls, allows for efficient movement of the fertilized egg towards the uterus for implantation and further development.