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Example Questions
Example Question #6 : Understanding Other Reproductive Physiology
Which of the following molecular changes leading to ovulation is caused by a spike in luteinizing hormone (LH)?
A release of hormones that develop the zona pellucida
The release of proteolytic enzymes to form the stigma
The maturation of the secondary oocyte
Meiotic recombination of the secondary oocyte
The release of proteolytic enzymes to form the stigma
The slow increase in estrogen concentration leading up to ovulation triggers the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary gland. The spike in LH initiates signal transduction pathways that release proteolytic enzymes. These enzymes create a hole, or stigma, in the follicle that allows the secondary oocyte to exit.
Example Question #7 : Understanding Other Reproductive Physiology
Which of the following best describes the effect of high estrogen concentrations on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels?
Maintains FSH levels
Decreases FSH levels
Has no effect on FSH levels
Increases FSH levels
Increases FSH levels
During the follicular phase of the estrous cycle, estrogen, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are in a positive feedback loop. High concentrations of estrogen stimulate the anterior pituitary gland to secrete LH and FSH.
Example Question #8 : Understanding Other Reproductive Physiology
In mammalian reproduction, what is the stigma?
The layer of cells surrounding the released oocyte
The resulting diploid organism that develops after the fusion of an egg and sperm
The hole that forms in the follicle to allow for oocyte release
The entrance to the fallopian tubes
The hole that forms in the follicle to allow for oocyte release
The increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration during the follicular stage of the estrous cycle leads to the release of proteolytic enzymes from the follicle. These enzymes degrade the follicle tissue and create a hole called the “stigma.” The secondary oocyte exits the follicle from the stigma in a process called ovulation.
Example Question #9 : Understanding Other Reproductive Physiology
Which of the following male reproductive structures does not contribute to the composition of semen?
Bulbourethral gland
Seminal vesicles
Glans penis
Prostate gland
Glans penis
Semen is a fluid that contains sperm cells, proteolytic enzymes, lipids, and fructose. The prostate gland, bulbourethral gland, and seminal vesicles all contribute to the makeup of semen. Semen protects and transports sperm cells inside the female reproductive tract as they seek out the egg cell.
Example Question #10 : Understanding Other Reproductive Physiology
What is the pH of semen and why is it important?
Semen is acidic to counteract the alkalinity of the female vagina
Semen is alkaline to counteract the acidity of the female vagina
Semen is acidic to protect and keep the sperm cell alive
Semen is alkaline to attract the egg cell
Semen is alkaline to counteract the acidity of the female vagina
Semen is the fluid that contains and transports sperm cells to the female reproductive tract. The female vagina is acidic due to lactic acid output from normally occurring bacteria in the vagina. In order to protect sperm cells from the acidic environment, semen is alkaline.
Example Question #1283 : Ap Biology
Which of the following best describes the role of the bulbourethral gland?
It lubricates the urethra
It contracts to initiate ejaculation
It contributes fructose to semen
It contributes proteolytic enzymes to semen
It lubricates the urethra
The bulbourethral gland is a part of the male reproductive system that contributes protein-rich fluid to semen and lubricates the urethra.
Example Question #1284 : Ap Biology
Which of the following best describes the place where all secretions that form the ejaculate combine?
Epididymis
Glans penis
Ejaculatory duct
Urethra
Ejaculatory duct
Prior to ejaculation, secretions from the bulbourethral gland, prostate gland, epididymis, and seminal vesicles enter the ejaculatory duct. The ejaculatory duct is the place where semen mixes and is stored until ejaculation.
Example Question #311 : Systems Physiology
Which of the following best explains why ejaculation has a high fructose concentration?
To degrade the zona pellucida
To provide energy for the sperm cells
To lubricate the urethra
To increase alkalinity
To provide energy for the sperm cells
Seminal vesicles secrete a large portion of the components that make up semen. A high concentration of fructose is included in these secretions. The fructose provides energy rich molecules for sperm cell movement.
Example Question #1286 : Ap Biology
Which of the following parts of the male reproductive system carries the semen out of the penis?
Seminiferous tubules
Epididymis
Vas deferens
Urethra
Urethra
In males, the urethra carries semen from the ejaculatory duct out of the penis. The urethra also carries urine from the bladder through the penis.
Example Question #1287 : Ap Biology
During copulation, where does the penis release the ejaculate in the female reproductive tract?
Vagina
Cervix
Fallopian tubes
Uterus
Vagina
During copulation and sexual intercourse, the penis enters the female vagina. Ejaculation—the release of semen from the penis—also occurs in the vagina.
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