Which part of the female reproductive system is responsible for housing the developing fetus?

The uterus is the part of the female reproductive system that is specifically designed to house and nourish a developing fetus during pregnancy. It provides a protective environment where the fertilized egg implants and grows over the course of gestation. The uterine lining, known as the endometrium, thickens in preparation for the potential implantation of a fertilized egg and supports the developing fetus by supplying necessary nutrients and oxygen through the placenta.

The ovaries are responsible for producing eggs and hormones but do not directly support fetal development. The fallopian tubes serve as the passageway through which eggs travel from the ovaries to the uterus and are the typical site of fertilization, but they do not provide a nurturing environment for a developing fetus. The cervix, while an important structure in the reproductive system, primarily serves as the opening to the uterus and plays a role during childbirth; it does not house the fetus itself. Therefore, the uterus is the correct answer as it is the essential organ designed for the growth and protection of the developing fetus.