Video Transcript
A front view of the human female reproductive system is shown in the figure. In which part are ciliated epithelial cells most abundant?
The question asks us about epithelial cells, which contain small hairlike projections called cilia. Can you guess why these small structures might be important? Let’s discuss the function of cilia in order to try to understand our question, specifically as it relates to the female reproductive system.
One of the most important functions of the cilia is the movement of fluid and materials in the extracellular environment. These structures also serve a role in sensing the environment and aiding in digestion. Most ciliated cells line the interior of different organs that are important for moving material from one location to another. For instance, in the respiratory system, ciliated cells line the trachea to carry away harmful particles that might be inhaled.
With this information, let’s take a look at the diagram. We need to identify where ciliated cells might be found in the female reproductive system. And we can find out by studying the process of ovulation. Ovulation occurs when an ovary, which is marked by the letter C, releases a mature egg cell into one of the two fallopian tubes, which is marked by the letter B. In the fallopian tube, fertilization between a sperm and egg cell can occur. This forms a zygote, which is transported to the uterus, where it can implant and begin development.
An egg cell is a fairly large cell and has no means to move on its own. Therefore, it has to be moved through the fallopian tube by other means. This is why, just like the cells of the trachea, there are ciliated epithelial cells in the fallopian tubes, which help to move the egg cell along.
After the zygote implants into the uterus, it will develop over the course of pregnancy, which lasts around nine months in humans. Then, the fully developed offspring will be pushed out of the cervix, which is labeled A in our diagram, and be delivered through the vaginal canal, which is labeled D.
After reviewing the structures involved in our diagram and the importance of ciliated cells in the female reproductive system, we should be able to answer our question correctly. We’re asked, “In which part are ciliated epithelial cells most abundant?” And we just learned that they are located in the fallopian tubes to help move the mature egg cell. So the correct answer choice is B.
