Question 1

During fertilization, which structure does the sperm cell penetrate first on its way to the secondary oocyte?

Accepted Answer

Corona radiata

Question 2

What is the result of the fusion of the sperm and egg nuclei during fertilization?

Accepted Answer

Formation of a zygote with a diploid chromosome set

Question 3

Which phase of embryonic development is characterized by the formation of three germ layers?

Accepted Answer

Gastrulation

Question 4

The blastocoel is a cavity found within which embryonic structure?

Accepted Answer

Blastula

Question 5

Which germ layer gives rise to the nervous system and epidermis?

Accepted Answer

Ectoderm

Question 6

During organogenesis, what structure induces the formation of the neural plate?

Accepted Answer

Notochord

Question 7

Which hormone is secreted by the trophoblast to maintain the corpus luteum after implantation?

Accepted Answer

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Question 8

What is the primary function of the chorionic villi during placentation?

Accepted Answer

To increase surface area for nutrient exchange between mother and fetus

Question 9

Which embryonic membrane is responsible for forming the blood vessels of the umbilical cord?

Accepted Answer

Allantois

Question 10

If a mutation prevents the formation of somites during embryonic development, which structures would be most affected?

Accepted Answer

Vertebrae and skeletal muscles

Question 11

Which equation best represents the chromosome number change during fertilization?

Accepted Answer

$$n + n = 2n$$

Question 12

A patient presents with a deficiency in hCG production early in pregnancy. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Failure to maintain the uterine lining, leading to menstruation

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the process of cellular differentiation?

Accepted Answer

Cells specialize to perform specific functions and form tissues/organs

Question 14

During which week of human embryonic development does implantation of the blastocyst typically occur?

Accepted Answer

Week 1

Question 15

Which hormone is primarily responsible for preventing new follicles from forming during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Estrogen and progesterone

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of breast milk for the infant?

Accepted Answer

It increases the risk of breast cancer in the mother

Question 17

A blastocyst is characterized by which of the following features?

Accepted Answer

A hollow, fluid-filled structure with an inner cell mass and trophoblast

Question 18

Which process is responsible for the formation of the primitive gut tube during embryonic development?

Accepted Answer

Organogenesis

Question 19

Which maternal change during pregnancy is directly caused by elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone?

Accepted Answer

Morning sickness

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the relationship between hCG, estrogen, and progesterone during early pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

hCG stimulates the corpus luteum to produce estrogen and progesterone

Human Development: From Fertilization to Birth

Study Guide - Practice Questions