Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of the blood-testis barrier formed by sustentocytes in the seminiferous tubules?

Accepted Answer

It prevents the immune system from attacking developing spermatogenic cells with new membrane antigens.

Question 2

During spermatogenesis, what is the correct sequence of cell types from stem cell to mature sperm?

Accepted Answer

Spermatogonia → Primary spermatocyte → Secondary spermatocyte → Spermatid → Sperm

Question 3

A patient presents with low sperm count and atrophy of the testes. Laboratory tests reveal low levels of GnRH, FSH, and LH. Which of the following best explains these findings?

Accepted Answer

Disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis leading to decreased stimulation of the testes.

Question 4

Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating the interstitial endocrine cells (Leydig cells) to produce testosterone?

Accepted Answer

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Question 5

Which of the following is a key difference between oogenesis and spermatogenesis?

Accepted Answer

Oogenesis produces one functional gamete per stem cell, while spermatogenesis produces four.

Question 6

A woman with a 35-day ovarian cycle will most likely ovulate on which day?

Accepted Answer

$$35 - 14 = 21$$; She will ovulate on day 21.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Ampulla of the uterine (fallopian) tube

Question 8

What is the primary function of the corpus luteum during the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle?

Accepted Answer

To secrete progesterone and estrogen to maintain the endometrium for possible implantation.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why the vaginal environment is acidic in adult females?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial breakdown of glycogen in the vaginal mucosa produces lactic acid.

Question 10

A mutation causes the zona pellucida to be absent in developing follicles. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Sperm binding and fertilization of the oocyte.

Question 11

Which event marks the completion of meiosis I in oogenesis?

Accepted Answer

Formation of a secondary oocyte and the first polar body just before ovulation.

Question 12

Which hormone is responsible for the negative feedback inhibition of FSH release from the anterior pituitary in males?

Accepted Answer

Inhibin

Question 13

A 16-year-old female with very low body fat and delayed puberty is found to have low leptin levels. Which of the following best explains her delayed puberty?

Accepted Answer

Low leptin fails to stimulate GnRH release, delaying the onset of puberty.

Question 14

Which of the following is a somatic effect of testosterone in males?

Accepted Answer

Increased size and mass of bones and skeletal muscles.

Question 15

If a secondary oocyte is not fertilized, what is its fate?

Accepted Answer

It degenerates without completing meiosis II.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the fate of most ovarian follicles during a woman's reproductive years?

Accepted Answer

They undergo atresia (apoptosis) and do not reach ovulation.

Question 17

Which layer of the uterine wall is shed during menstruation?

Accepted Answer

Functional layer (stratum functionalis) of the endometrium

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why only one dominant follicle is typically ovulated each month?

Accepted Answer

It is the follicle most sensitive to FSH, while the others undergo atresia.

Question 19

Which of the following is a direct effect of estrogen during puberty in females?

Accepted Answer

Induction of secondary sex characteristics such as breast development and widening of the pelvis.

Question 20

Which process is responsible for the movement of the oocyte from the ovary into the uterine tube during ovulation?

Accepted Answer

Ciliary action and peritoneal fluid currents generated by the fimbriae.

The Reproductive System: Structure, Function, and Regulation

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