Question 1

Which of the following correctly lists the stages of human development from conception to birth in order?

Accepted Answer

Zygote, conceptus, embryo, fetus

Question 2

During fertilization, which process prevents polyspermy by causing the oocyte membrane to become impermeable to additional sperm?

Accepted Answer

Cortical reaction

Question 3

Which embryonic germ layer gives rise to the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Ectoderm

Question 4

A patient presents with a deficiency in the hormone oxytocin. Which stage of pregnancy or birth is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Lactation

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the process of cleavage in early embryonic development?

Accepted Answer

Rapid mitotic divisions without growth, resulting in smaller cells

Question 6

If the cortical reaction fails during fertilization, what is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

Polyspermy leading to abnormal chromosome numbers

Question 7

Which hormone is primarily responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum during early pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Question 8

During organogenesis, which organ system is the first to begin development?

Accepted Answer

Nervous system

Question 9

A blastocyst is characterized by which of the following features?

Accepted Answer

A hollow ball of cells with an inner cell mass

Question 10

Which equation best represents the positive feedback mechanism during labor involving oxytocin?

Accepted Answer

$$Oxytocin \rightarrow Uterine\ contractions \rightarrow Increased\ oxytocin$$

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a derivative of the mesoderm?

Accepted Answer

Nervous tissue

Question 12

A newborn fails to produce sufficient prolactin. Which physiological process will be most directly impaired?

Accepted Answer

Milk production

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of the placenta during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

It facilitates exchange of nutrients and wastes between mother and fetus

Question 14

Which stage of development is characterized by the formation of the three primary germ layers?

Accepted Answer

Gastrulation

Question 15

A medical researcher is studying the effects of a toxin that disrupts the acrosomal reaction. What is the most likely consequence for fertilization?

Accepted Answer

Sperm will be unable to penetrate the zona pellucida

Question 16

Which hormone is involved in the positive feedback loop that leads to increased uterine contractions during labor?

Accepted Answer

Oxytocin

Question 17

During which stage does the embryo implant into the uterine wall?

Accepted Answer

Blastocyst stage

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of the hormone progesterone during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Maintains the uterine lining for implantation

Question 19

A genetic mutation prevents the formation of the endoderm during embryonic development. Which organ system would be most affected?

Accepted Answer

Digestive system

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why only one sperm normally fertilizes an oocyte?

Accepted Answer

The cortical reaction alters the zona pellucida to block additional sperm

Study Guide: Pregnancy and Human Development

Study Guide - Practice Questions