Chapter 3 · Reproduction in Human Beings (2): practice questions

Ovulation (the release of the egg from the ovary) usually occurs on about which day of the menstrual cycle?

• ADay 14
• BDay 7
• CDay 28
• DDay 1

What is the name of the hormone that stimulates the uterine muscles to contract during childbirth?

• AEstrogen
• BOxytocin
• CFSH
• DInsulin

What is the name of the organ that connects the fetus to the mother and through which food and gases are exchanged?

• AThe amnion
• BThe corpus luteum
• CThe umbilical cord
• DThe placenta

The shedding of the uterine lining as blood (menstruation) happens because of what?

• AA rise in FSH that breaks down the uterine lining
• BA drop in the hormones estrogen and progesterone
• CA rise in the level of oxytocin in the blood
• DAn increase in hCG levels at the end of the cycle

Why does the progesterone level stay high throughout pregnancy?

• ATo start labour by making the uterine muscles contract strongly
• BTo stimulate ovulation so that a new egg is released from the ovary every month
• CTo maintain the uterine lining and prevent the uterus from contracting
• DTo bring on menstruation by making the uterine lining break down

If the egg is not fertilized, what happens to the corpus luteum and to progesterone?

• AThe corpus luteum degenerates and progesterone falls
• BThe corpus luteum enlarges and progesterone rises
• CThe corpus luteum turns into a placenta
• DProgesterone stays constant

What is the name of the hormone responsible for the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics in females and for rebuilding the uterine lining?

• AhCG
• BEstrogen
• COxytocin
• DProgesterone

Why does a pregnancy test look specifically for the hormone hCG rather than progesterone?

• ABecause progesterone is not present during pregnancy
• BBecause progesterone is always excreted in urine in large amounts
• CBecause hCG is always present even without pregnancy
• DBecause hCG is secreted specifically by the placenta during pregnancy and appears in the urine

If a disorder prevented the LH surge in the middle of the cycle, what is the most likely outcome?

• AMilk would be released from the breast
• BPregnancy would occur immediately
• COvulation would not occur
• DA larger corpus luteum would form

A woman has a regular 28-day cycle, counted from the first day of menstrual bleeding. Considering how long the ovum and the sperms survive, intercourse on which of these days could lead to fertilization?

• ADay 12
• BDay 18
• CDay 8
• DDay 22