Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What characterizes an ectopic pregnancy?

1. Fertilization of egg within the uterus

2. Fertilization of egg in the fallopian tubes

3. Fertilization of egg in the ovary

4. Fertilization of egg in the cervix

The correct answer is: Fertilization of egg in the fallopian tubes

An ectopic pregnancy is characterized by the implantation of a fertilized egg outside the uterus, most commonly within the fallopian tubes. This occurs when a fertilized ovum fails to travel down the fallopian tube to the uterus, where it typically would implant. The reason why fertilization in the fallopian tubes is significant is due to the anatomical nature of reproduction; while the eggs are released into the peritoneal cavity during ovulation, they are often captured by the fimbriae (finger-like projections) of the fallopian tubes. If the fertilized egg becomes implanted in the fallopian tube instead of the uterine lining, it leads to an ectopic pregnancy, which is not viable and can pose serious health risks to the female. Fertilization occurring anywhere else, such as in the uterus, ovary, or cervix, does not result in an ectopic pregnancy. In fact, these circumstances typically lead to normal pregnancies or other complications that are distinct from the ectopic scenario. Thus, the correct identification of fertilization occurring in the fallopian tubes as the characteristic of an ectopic pregnancy is essential for understanding this medical condition.