It is in the outer half of the fallopian tube that ____________ by a sperm takes place.

In the outer half of the fallopian tube, fertilization by a sperm takes place. This is a crucial step in human reproduction, where a sperm cell from the male meets and penetrates an ovum (egg) from the female.

Fertilization typically occurs in the ampulla, which is the wider part of the fallopian tube. After ovulation, the egg travels down the fallopian tube, and if sperm are present, one may penetrate the egg, resulting in fertilization. The genetic material from both the sperm and egg combine to form a zygote, which then begins the process of cell division as it moves toward the uterus.

Understanding the location and process of fertilization is critical for grasping concepts related to reproductive health and biology, as it is the first step towards potential pregnancy.