Physio: Female Reproductive System

Question 1

The female reproductive cycle is divided into two main components: the ovarian cycle and the uterine cycle. What are the phases of the ovarian cycle?
a) Menstrual and Proliferative
b) Proliferative and Secretory
c) Follicular and Luteal
d) Ovulatory and Anovulatory
e) Preovulatory and Postovulatory

Answer 1

c) Follicular and Luteal

Uterine:
Menstruation
Preovulatory
Postovulatory

Question 2

Variability in the total duration of the ovarian cycle is primarily attributable to variability in the length of which phase?
a) The luteal phase
b) Ovulation
c) The postovulatory phase
d) The follicular phase
e) The secretory phase

Answer 2

d) The follicular phase

Question 3

Which hormone(s) exert negative feedback on the release of GnRH, LH, and FSH when present at moderate concentrations?
a) GnRH alone
b) LH and FSH
c) Estrogens and progesterone
d) Prolactin
e) hCG

Answer 3

c) Estrogens and progesterone

Hormones exert a positive feedback, stimulation, of GnRH, LH, FSH when present at high concentrations

Question 4

According to the source, the female reproductive cycle is subdivided into four phases. Which of the following sequences represents these four phases?
a) Follicular, Ovulatory, Luteal, Menstrual
b) Menstrual, Preovulatory, Ovulation, Postovulatory
c) Proliferative, Secretory, Ovulation, Ischemic
d) Preovulatory, Ovulation, Postovulatory, Menstrual
e) Menstrual, Proliferative, Secretory, Ovulation

Answer 4

b) Menstrual, Preovulatory, Ovulation, Postovulatory

Question 5

During the menstrual phase of the reproductive cycle, which of the following hormone levels are typically low due to the degeneration of the corpus luteum?
a) FSH and LH
b) GnRH
c) Estrogens and progesterone
d) hCG
e) Prolactin

Answer 5

c) Estrogens and progesterone

Question 6

Low levels of blood estrogens during the menstrual phase have which of the following effects on FSH secretion by the anterior pituitary?
a) They stimulate it via positive feedback.
b) They maintain it at a constant level.
c) They inhibit it via negative feedback.
d) They eliminate the negative feedback, resulting in increased secretion.
e) They stimulate it via direct action on the ovaries.

Answer 6

d) They eliminate the negative feedback, resulting in increased secretion.

Question 7

FSH secreted during the menstrual phase has what primary effect in the ovaries?
a) Causes ovulation of the dominant follicle.
b) Stimulates formation of the corpus luteum.
c) Stimulates progesterone production by the theca cells.
d) Causes a few primordial follicles to develop.
e) Promotes the release of the secondary oocyte.

Answer 7

d) Causes a few primordial follicles to develop.

NOTE: FSH contributes/ stimulates folliculogenesis

Question 8

The menstrual phase takes the first few days of the cycle. What is defined as a hallmark of this phase?
a) Markedly increased estrogen levels.
b) The LH surge.
c) Formation of the corpus luteum.
d) A menstrual flow of blood.
e) Elevated basal body temperature.

Answer 8

d) A menstrual flow of blood.

Question 9

Menstruation is described as the sloughing off of the superficial layer of epithelial cells in the uterus. This layer is known as the:
a) Basal zone (stratum basalis)
b) Myometrium
c) Perimetrium
d) Functional zone (stratum functionalis)
e) Endocervix

Answer 9

d) Functional zone (stratum functionalis)

Question 10

The primary reason for the sloughing off of the endometrial lining during menstruation is that:
a) Progesterone levels are too high.
b) FSH levels are too low.
c) Estrogens normally support endometrial proliferation, and their levels are low.
d) LH levels surge, causing tissue breakdown.
e) Prostaglandins directly cause epithelial cell death independent of blood flow.

Answer 10

c) Estrogens normally support endometrial proliferation, and their levels are low.

Question 11

Low levels of estrogens during menstruation stimulate the release of prostaglandins. These prostaglandins primarily act to cause:
a) Uterine relaxation.
b) Increased blood flow to the endometrium.
c) Constriction of the uterine arteries.
d) Secretion of glycogen by endometrial glands.
e) Proliferation of the basal zone.

Answer 11

c) Constriction of the uterine arteries.

Constriction of the uterine arteries > cells in epithelial layer becomes oxygen deprive > cells die and are sloughed off through vagina

Question 12

Consequences of the prostaglandin-induced constriction of uterine arteries during menstruation include:
a) Increased oxygen supply to the endometrium.
b) Repair of the functional zone.
c) Oxygen deprivation and death of endometrial epithelial cells.
d) Thickening of the basal zone. e
) Stimulation of glandular secretion.

Answer 12

c) Oxygen deprivation and death of endometrial epithelial cells.

Question 13

The menstrual flow, consisting of sloughed epithelial cells and blood, passes from the uterine body through which structures to reach the exterior?
a) Uterine tubes to the pelvic cavity
b) Directly through the uterine wall
c) Uterine cervix to the vagina
d) Ovaries to the fallopian tubes
e) Urinary bladder and urethra

Answer 13

c) Uterine cervix to the vagina

Question 14

The expulsion of menstrual flow is favored by:

a) Relaxation of the uterine muscles.
b) Contractions of the fallopian tubes.
c) Gravity only.
d) Uterine contractions propagating from fundus to cervix.
e) High levels of progesterone inhibiting uterine activity.

Answer 14

d) Uterine contractions propagating from fundus to cervix.

Question 15

What remains of the endometrium after menstruation is primarily the:
a) Entire functional zone
b) Entire basal zone and functional zone
c) Basal third (basal zone)
d) Luminal two-thirds (functional zone)
e) Myometrium

Answer 15

c) Basal third (basal zone)

Question 16

Which of the following is listed as an effect resulting from low blood estrogen levels during the menstrual phase?
a) Increased LH secretion.
b) Growth of tertiary follicles.
c) Increased thickness of endometrial lining.
d) Stimulation of folliculogenesis.
e) Secretion of glycogen by endometrial glands.

Answer 16

d) Stimulation of folliculogenesis.

Also, sloughing of the endometrium resulting in menstruation and thin endometrium (reduce thickness) due to the sloughing of cells.

Question 17

List the events of the menstrual phase.

Answer 17

Increase FSH secretion > folliculogenesis
Sloughing of the endometrial epithelial cells resulting menstruation
Thinning of endometrium lining due to sloughing

Question 18

The preovulatory phase is defined as the period between the end of menstruation and the beginning of ovulation. During this phase, which hormone’s concentration is typically markedly increased?
a) Progesterone
b) FSH
c) LH
d) Estrogens
e) GnRH

Answer 18

d) Estrogens

Low levels of FSH, LH, GnRH and Progesterone

Question 19

Estrogens in the preovulatory phase are primarily secreted by which structures?
a) Corpus luteum
b) Degenerating follicles
c) Granulosa cells of the secondary follicles
d) Theca cells of the primary follicles
e) Pituitary gland

Answer 19

c) Granulosa cells of the secondary follicles

Remember:
FSH > granulosa cells > Estrogens
LH > Theca cells > Androgens (testosterone)

Question 20

Markedly increased concentrations of blood estrogens in the preovulatory phase have three important effects listed. One effect is the stimulation of further growth of:
a) Primary follicles
b) Secondary follicles
c) Corpus luteum
d) Endometrial glands
e) Uterine arteries

Answer 20

b) Secondary follicles

Question 21

Moderate estrogen levels in the preovulatory phase primarily inhibit the secretion of which hormone via negative feedback?
a) LH
b) GnRH
c) FSH
d) Progesterone
e) hCG

Answer 21

c) FSH

Question 22

Inhibition of FSH secretion during the preovulatory phase is important because it ensures that:

a) Multiple follicles ovulate simultaneously.
b) The corpus luteum forms prematurely.
c) Only one tertiary follicle becomes dominant.
d) Estrogen levels remain low.
e) The uterine lining remains thin.

Answer 22

c) Only one tertiary follicle becomes dominant.

Question 23

Estrogens in the preovulatory phase stimulate the proliferation of epithelial cells in the endometrium to form a new layer called the:

a) Basal zone
b) Myometrium
c) Perimetrium
d) Stratum functionalis
e) Stratum basalis

Answer 23

d) Stratum functionalis (Functional Zone)

Question 24

In addition to epithelial proliferation, estrogens in the preovulatory phase also promote the development of which endometrial structures?

a) Myometrial muscle fibers
b) Corpus luteum
c) Endometrial glands
d) Primary follicles
e) Degenerating corpus albicans

Answer 24

c) Endometrial glands

And also coil and lengthening of blood vessels.

Question 25

The endometrial glands in the preovulatory phase produce copious amounts of thin mucus, which serves to: a) Nourish a potential embryo. b) Impede sperm entry. c) Cause uterine contractions. d) Facilitate sperm entry. e) Indicate the fertile window has closed.

Answer 25

d) Facilitate sperm entry.

Question 26

The preovulatory phase in the uterine cycle is also termed the: a) Menstrual phase b) Secretory phase c) Proliferative phase d) Ischemic phase e) Luteal phase

Answer 26

c) Proliferative phase

Question 27

Which event marks the transition from the preovulatory phase to the postovulatory phase? a) Onset of menstruation b) Formation of the corpus luteum c) Peak estrogen levels d) Ovulation e) Fertilization of the egg

Answer 27

d) Ovulation

Question 28

Ovulation is primarily caused by a surge of which hormone? a) FSH b) Estrogen c) Progesterone d) LH e) GnRH

Answer 28

d) LH Surge in LH causes ovulation and formation of corpus luteum

Question 29

High concentrations of ovarian hormones (specifically estrogens at the final stage of follicular maturation) can stimulate the secretion of LH. This is an example of: a) Negative feedback b) Autocrine signaling c) Paracrine signaling d) Positive feedback e) Inhibition

Answer 29

d) Positive feedback

Question 30

The mechanism for ovulation involves the thinning and weakening of the follicular wall under the influence of LH and progesterone. This is related to the activation of: a) Kinase enzymes b) ATPase pumps c) Proteolytic enzymes (collagenase) d) Amylase e) Hormonal receptors

Answer 30

c) Proteolytic enzymes (collagenase) These enzymes digest the connective tissue of the follicular wall

Question 31

Which substances, in addition to proteolytic enzymes, can facilitate ovulation by triggering the release of lysosomal enzymes that digest the follicular wall? a) Estrogen and Progesterone b) FSH and LH c) Prostaglandins E and F d) GnRH e) hCG

Answer 31

c) Prostaglandins E and F

Question 32

Just prior to ovulation, the primary oocyte completes its first meiotic division. What are the two daughter cells generated from this division? a) Two primary oocytes b) Two secondary oocytes c) One ovum and one polar body d) One secondary oocyte and the first polar body e) One secondary oocyte and the second polar body

Answer 32

d) One secondary oocyte and the first polar body (23 chromosomes + 23 copies for each daughter cell)

Question 33

What structure is released from the ovary into the pelvic cavity after ovulation? a) Primary oocyte (diploid) b) Ovum (haploid) c) Fertilized zygote d) Secondary oocyte (haploid) e) First polar body

Answer 33

d) Secondary oocyte (haploid)

Question 34

After the digestion of the follicular cells during Ovulation, what is the next step before ovum release?

Answer 34

A stigma is formed. Encloses the Graafian follicle > balloons out > forms a vesicle > ruptures > oocyte is expelled.

Question 35

The postovulatory phase begins after ovulation and ends with the onset of the next menses. In a 28-day cycle, this phase typically lasts how long? a) 7 days b) 10 days c) 14 days d) 21 days e) Variable length

Answer 35

c) 14 days

Question 36

Under the influence of LH, the ruptured follicle in the ovary is transformed into which structure during the postovulatory phase? a) A new dominant follicle b) The stratum functionalis c) The basal zone d) The corpus luteum e) The corpus albicans

Answer 36

d) The corpus luteum

Question 37

The corpus luteum primarily secretes which hormones? a) FSH and LH b) GnRH c) Progesterone and estrogens d) Prolactin e) Inhibin only

Answer 37

c) Progesterone and estrogens

Question 38

During the postovulatory phase, as a result of hormone secretion by the corpus luteum, the plasma levels of progesterone and estrogens are elevated. What happens to the blood levels of LH and FSH during this period? a) They also increase. b) They remain constant. c) They fluctuate randomly. d) They decline. e) LH increases, while FSH declines.

Answer 38

d) They decline.

Question 39

The fate of the corpus luteum is dependent on whether the egg is fertilized or not. If fertilization does NOT occur, how long does the corpus luteum typically persist? a) Only a few hours b) A few days c) Approximately 2 weeks d) One month e) Three months

Answer 39

c) Approximately 2 weeks

Question 40

If the egg is not fertilized, the corpus luteum degenerates into a scar-like fibrous body called the: a) Graafian follicle b) Corpus hemorrhagicum c) Corpus albicans d) Primary follicle e) Secondary oocyte

Answer 40

c) Corpus albicans

Question 41

If fertilization has occurred, the corpus luteum persists over the first three months of pregnancy. It is rescued from degeneration by a hormone produced by the chorion of the embryo called: a) FSH b) LH c) Estrogen d) Progesterone e) Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Answer 41

e) Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Question 42

In the uterus during the postovulatory phase, the main event is the continued growth and thickening of the epithelial layer (stratum functionalis). This process is promoted by: a) FSH from the pituitary b) LH from the pituitary c) Estrogens released from the corpus luteum d) Prostaglandins e) Degeneration of the corpus albicans

Answer 42

c) Estrogens released from the corpus luteum

Question 43

In addition to promoting the growth of the stratum functionalis, progesterone secreted by the corpus luteum stimulates which of the following in the endometrium? a) Sloughing of the functional zone. b) Constriction of uterine arteries. c) Thinning of the endometrium. d) Growth of the endometrial glands and increased vascularization. e) Formation of the basal zone.

Answer 43

d) Growth of the endometrial glands and increased vascularization.

Question 44

Progesterone also stimulates the endometrial glands to secrete glycogen and lipids. What is the purpose of these secretions? a) To stimulate uterine contractions. b) To facilitate sperm transport. c) To digest the follicular wall. d) To serve as a nutrient source for a fertilized egg if implantation occurs. e) To inhibit the release of LH.

Answer 44

d) To serve as a nutrient source for a fertilized egg if implantation occurs.

Question 45

Because of the secretory activity of endometrial glands promoted by progesterone, the postovulatory phase of the uterine cycle is called the: a) Menstrual phase b) Proliferative phase c) Ovulatory phase d) Secretory phase e) Ischemic phase

Answer 45

d) Secretory phase

Question 46

Which hormone is responsible for increasing the hypothalamic temperature set-point, resulting in an elevation of basal body temperature shortly after ovulation? a) Estrogen b) LH c) FSH d) Progesterone e) GnRH

Answer 46

d) Progesterone

Question 47

According to the source, a large menstrual flow leading to a blood loss of more than 80 ml is termed: a) Metrorrhagia b) Dysmenorrhea c) Oligomenorrhea d) Amenorrhea e) Menorrhagia

Answer 47

e) Menorrhagia

Question 48

List the uterine changes in the postovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle.

Answer 48

1. Thinking of the endometrium 2. Stimulation of growth of the epithelial and glandular cells. 3. Increase vascularization 4. Stimulation of grandular cells to secrete glycogen and lipids

Question 49

List the Ovarian changes in the postovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle.

Answer 49

1. Increase in estrogen and progesterone levels > inhibiting FSH, GnRH, LH levels 2. The formation of the corpus Albacans from corpeus luteum if not fertilized.

Question 50

List the events of the preovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle.

Answer 50

1 .Stimulation of further growth of secondary follicles 2. Inhibition of FSH secretion due to elevated estrogen levels 3. Repair of endometrium, increasing its thickness..