Understanding Reproductive Functions

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Questions 1 - 10
1

Which of the following hormones is secreted by the ovaries and is responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics in females?

Estrogen

Testosterone

Luteinizing hormone

Follicle-stimulating hormone

Corpus luteum

Explanation

Females' ovaries secrete estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. Estrogen has many functions, including development of female secondary sex characteristics. Such charactersistics include, but are not limited to: development of breast tissue, redistribution of body fat to the hips, thighs, buttocks, and breasts, and initiation of menses. In females, testosterone functions primarily to increase sexual arousal. Progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone play roles in the menstrual cycle. The corpus luteum is formed from the follicle and remains in the ovary after the egg has been released. It secretes progesterone for about two weeks, then deteriorates in the absence of a pregnancy.

2

Which gland creates a milky, alkaline solution, which helps sperm survive in the acidic envorionment of the female reproductive tract?

Prostate gland

Bulbourtheral glands

Thyroid gland

Adrenal glands

Thymus gland

Explanation

The bulbourethral glands aid in the process of ejaculation by lubricating the urethra. The thyroid, thymus and adrenal glands are not parts of the reproductive system. The thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormones which controls the body's metabolism and homeostasis. The thymus gland is responsible for secreting thymosine, which facilitates the maturation of T cells of the immune system. The adrenal glands are responsible for regulation of many body processes including the stress response, fluid and electrolyte balance, sex hormone production, blood glucose levels, and the fight, flight and fight response.

3

What hormone surges and causes the release of an egg from the ovary?

LH (luteinizing hormone)

FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)

Estrogen

Progesterone

Prolactin

Explanation

At day 14 of a menstrual cycle, the LH surge begins, which causes the follicle to burst, resulting in ovulation. The LH surge is caused by a rise in estrogen, which causes the pituitary gland to release LH.

4

Which of the following structures is the site of development and maturation of sperm and secretion of testosterone?

Testes

Ovaries

Prostate gland

Fallopian tubes

Bulbourethral gland

Explanation

The male gonads, the testes, are responsible development and maturation of sperm and secretion of testosterone. Ovaries and fallopian tubes can be ruled out because they are found only in females, and thus do not contribute to the development of sperm. The prostate gland does not produce sperm, rather it secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. The bulbourethral gland aids in the process of ejaculation.

5

Which is the correct sequence through which sperm leave the male body during ejaculation?

Testes epididymis vas deferens urethra

Testes vas deferens epididymis urethra

Vas deferens testes epididymis urethra

Epididymis testes vas deferens urethra

Vas deferens urethra epididymis testes

Explanation

Sperm are produced in the testes. They then travel into the epididymis where they mature and are stored. During the time of ejaculation, the sperm are expelled into the right and left vasa deferentia which join and form the urethra, through which they leave the body.

6

Which of these structures is not a part of the female reproducive tract?

Urinary bladder

Uterus

Ovary

Vagina

Fallopian tubes

Explanation

The urinary bladder is not a part of the female reproductive tract. Rather, it collects urine created by the kidneys. The ovary produces the female gametes. The fallopian tubes transport the eggs from the ovary to the uterus each month. The uterus provides a location and the necessary nutrients to the fertilized egg that develops into the fetus. The vagina receives the penis during sexual intercourse and expels menstrual flow from the uterus.

7

Which of the following is a function of the male reproductive system?

Production and storage of sperm, production of sex hormones, and delivery of sperm to the female reproductive system

Production and storage of sperm

Production of sex hormones

Delivery of sperm to the female reproductive system

None of these answers

Explanation

The male reproductive system has all of the functions indicated in the answer choices.

8

Which of the following hormones is crucial for the maintenance of pregnancy?

Progesterone

LH

Estrogen

FSH

Cortisol

Explanation

Progesterone ("pro-gestation") is responsible for the maintenance of a pregnancy. Initially, the corpus luteum secretes progesterone in preparation for pregnancy. Then, after fertilization, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is released which causes the corpus luteum to keep secreting progesterone. The placenta takes over it's function after 6 weeks gestation.

9

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are produced and secreted by which of the following structures?

Anterior pituitary gland

Hypothalamus

Thyroid gland

Prostate gland

Uterus

Explanation

The anterior pituitary gland produces both FSH and LH, two hormones that play key roles in the menstrual cycle. The hypothalamus produces several tropic hormones and is responsible for maintaining homeostatis of the body via the endocrine system. The thyroid gland determines metabolic rate. The prostate gland does not produce any hormones. The uterus does not produce these two hormones; however, since LH and FSH regulate the menstrual cycle, events in the uterus are indirectly influenced by FSH and LH.

10

The first 14 days of the menstrual cycle are known as the __________, while last 14 days are known as the __________.

follicular phase . . . luteal phase

luteal phase . . . follicular phase

ovulatory phase . . . luteal phase

ovulatory phase . . . follicular phase

follicular phase . . . menstrual phase

Explanation

The menstrual phase is divided into two halves—the first 14 days are involved in follicular maturation, and is thus known as the follicular phase, while the last 14 days involve the degneration of the corpus luteum, and is thus known as the luteal phase. Ovulation occurs around day 14, but there is no ovulatory phase. Menstruation normally occurs during the first 2-7 days of the cycle, during the follicular phase.

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