Reproductive Physiology and Development

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Anatomy › Reproductive Physiology and Development

Questions 1 - 10
1

Which male reproductive structure is responsible for the storage of sperm cells?

Epididymis

Seminiferous tubules

Vas deferens

Prostate gland

Explanation

After developing in the seminiferous tubules, sperm cells are transferred to the epididymis in order to be stored prior to ejaculation. The sperm cells also mature further and develop the ability to swim in the epididymis.

The vas deferens is the duct connecting the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts. The prostate gland, bulbourethral gland, and seminal vesicles produce alkaline and lubricating fluids for the composition of semen.

2

Which male reproductive structure is responsible for the storage of sperm cells?

Epididymis

Seminiferous tubules

Vas deferens

Prostate gland

Explanation

After developing in the seminiferous tubules, sperm cells are transferred to the epididymis in order to be stored prior to ejaculation. The sperm cells also mature further and develop the ability to swim in the epididymis.

The vas deferens is the duct connecting the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts. The prostate gland, bulbourethral gland, and seminal vesicles produce alkaline and lubricating fluids for the composition of semen.

3

Which male reproductive structure is responsible for the storage of sperm cells?

Epididymis

Seminiferous tubules

Vas deferens

Prostate gland

Explanation

After developing in the seminiferous tubules, sperm cells are transferred to the epididymis in order to be stored prior to ejaculation. The sperm cells also mature further and develop the ability to swim in the epididymis.

The vas deferens is the duct connecting the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts. The prostate gland, bulbourethral gland, and seminal vesicles produce alkaline and lubricating fluids for the composition of semen.

4

What is the purpose of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the female body?

Maintains the corpus luteum

Causes ovulation

Causes menstruation

Maintains the placenta

Stimulate the corpus albicans

Explanation

Human chorionic gonadotropin is a peptide hormone that helps prevent the breakdown of the corpus luteum. This allows the corpus luteum to continue secreting progesterone and estrogen during implantation. As the placenta forms, it eventually takes over the job of secreting hormones for the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum is only preserved when fertilization has occurred; normally, the structure devolves into the corpus albicans. Human chorionic gonadotropin can thus be used to detect pregnancy, as it is only secreted after fertilization.

5

What is the purpose of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the female body?

Maintains the corpus luteum

Causes ovulation

Causes menstruation

Maintains the placenta

Stimulate the corpus albicans

Explanation

Human chorionic gonadotropin is a peptide hormone that helps prevent the breakdown of the corpus luteum. This allows the corpus luteum to continue secreting progesterone and estrogen during implantation. As the placenta forms, it eventually takes over the job of secreting hormones for the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum is only preserved when fertilization has occurred; normally, the structure devolves into the corpus albicans. Human chorionic gonadotropin can thus be used to detect pregnancy, as it is only secreted after fertilization.

6

What is the purpose of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the female body?

Maintains the corpus luteum

Causes ovulation

Causes menstruation

Maintains the placenta

Stimulate the corpus albicans

Explanation

Human chorionic gonadotropin is a peptide hormone that helps prevent the breakdown of the corpus luteum. This allows the corpus luteum to continue secreting progesterone and estrogen during implantation. As the placenta forms, it eventually takes over the job of secreting hormones for the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum is only preserved when fertilization has occurred; normally, the structure devolves into the corpus albicans. Human chorionic gonadotropin can thus be used to detect pregnancy, as it is only secreted after fertilization.

7

Fertilization typically takes place in which location?

Fallopian tube

Uterus

Ovary

Vagina

Explanation

The most common location for the fertilization of the egg is the fallopian tube. The zygote then undergoes several divisions and some development before implanting in the endometrium of the uterus as a blastocyst. Abnormal implantation can occur while the blastocyst is still in the fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. This event generally requires surgery to rectify and can be extremely dangerous to the mother and developing embryo.

8

A spike in the concentration of which of the following hormones stimulates ovulation in females?

Luteinizing hormone

Follicle-stimulating hormone

Estrogen

Progesterone

Testosterone

Explanation

A spike in the concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH) leads to ovulation on day 14 of the menstrual cycle. This spike is known as the "LH surge" and is initiated by a positive feedback mechanism involving estrogen.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is involved in the maturation of the follicle, but not ovulation. Progesterone functions in maintaining the endometrial tissue after implantation has occurred. Testosterone is not involved in the female reproductive cycle.

9

Fertilization typically takes place in which location?

Fallopian tube

Uterus

Ovary

Vagina

Explanation

The most common location for the fertilization of the egg is the fallopian tube. The zygote then undergoes several divisions and some development before implanting in the endometrium of the uterus as a blastocyst. Abnormal implantation can occur while the blastocyst is still in the fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. This event generally requires surgery to rectify and can be extremely dangerous to the mother and developing embryo.

10

Fertilization typically takes place in which location?

Fallopian tube

Uterus

Ovary

Vagina

Explanation

The most common location for the fertilization of the egg is the fallopian tube. The zygote then undergoes several divisions and some development before implanting in the endometrium of the uterus as a blastocyst. Abnormal implantation can occur while the blastocyst is still in the fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. This event generally requires surgery to rectify and can be extremely dangerous to the mother and developing embryo.

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