Question 1

Which structure is primarily responsible for maintaining the temperature of the testes below core body temperature, and why is this important for spermatogenesis?

Accepted Answer

The pampiniform plexus, because it acts as a countercurrent heat exchanger to cool arterial blood entering the testes.

Question 2

During spermatogenesis, how many chromosomes are present in a primary spermatocyte, and what is its ploidy?

Accepted Answer

46 chromosomes, diploid (2n)

Question 3

Which hormone stimulates the Leydig (interstitial) cells to produce testosterone in the male reproductive system?

Accepted Answer

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Question 4

What is the role of androgen-binding protein (ABP) in the seminiferous tubules?

Accepted Answer

ABP binds testosterone, increasing its concentration in the seminiferous tubules to promote spermatogenesis.

Question 5

If the negative feedback effect of testosterone on the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary is removed, what would be the expected consequence?

Accepted Answer

FSH and LH secretion would increase, leading to elevated testosterone production.

Question 6

During oogenesis, at what stage is the primary oocyte arrested until puberty, and in which phase of meiosis does this occur?

Accepted Answer

Arrested in Prophase I of meiosis I

Question 7

Which event triggers the completion of meiosis II in the secondary oocyte?

Accepted Answer

Fertilization by a sperm cell

Question 8

At birth, each ovary contains approximately how many primordial follicles, and what is the chromosomal status of the oocytes within them?

Accepted Answer

1-2 million primordial follicles; oocytes are diploid (2n) and arrested in Prophase I

Question 9

Which hormones are responsible for stimulating the maturation of ovarian follicles at puberty?

Accepted Answer

FSH and LH

Question 10

What is the primary function of the corpus luteum following ovulation, and what hormone does it secrete?

Accepted Answer

It secretes progesterone to maintain the uterine lining for potential implantation.

Question 11

Which structure in the female reproductive system is the usual site of fertilization?

Accepted Answer

Uterine tube (fallopian tube)

Question 12

During the menstrual cycle, which hormone peaks just prior to ovulation and is responsible for triggering the release of the secondary oocyte?

Accepted Answer

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Question 13

What is the correct sequence of events during spermatogenesis?

Accepted Answer

Spermatogonium → primary spermatocyte → secondary spermatocyte → spermatid → spermatozoon

Question 14

Which process describes the physical maturation of spermatids into spermatozoa?

Accepted Answer

Spermiogenesis

Question 15

A patient presents with infertility due to low sperm count. Which hormone deficiency could directly impair Sertoli cell function and reduce spermatogenesis?

Accepted Answer

FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone)

Question 16

Which feedback mechanism is involved in the regulation of lactation (let-down reflex) in the mammary glands?

Accepted Answer

Positive feedback involving oxytocin release

Question 17

During the ovarian cycle, what happens to the corpus luteum if implantation does NOT occur?

Accepted Answer

It degenerates and is replaced by fibrous tissue (corpus albicans)

Question 18

Which equation best represents the chromosomal reduction during meiosis in gamete formation?

Accepted Answer

$$2n \rightarrow n$$

Question 19

Which layer of the blastocyst gives rise to all tissues of the body during implantation?

Accepted Answer

Inner cell mass (embryoblast)

Question 20

A mutation prevents the formation of the acrosome in sperm cells. What is the most likely consequence for fertilization?

Accepted Answer

Sperm will be unable to penetrate the zona pellucida of the oocyte.

Reproductive Systems: Gamete Production, Regulation, and Development

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