Reproductive Physiology Questions

1. True or false
a. The Wolffian ducts regress during female foetal differentiation T
b. Down’s syndrome is caused by non-disjunction of chromosome 22 F
c. Ovaries play a role in female foetus differentiation and developmental processes F
d. There is increased incidence of mental retardation in Klinefelter’s syndrome T
e. Cortisol replacement can be used to treat congenital adrenal hyperplasia T
2. In ovarian agenesis
a. The genotype is 45XO T
b. Patients have primary amenorrhea T
c. Normal ovaries may be present F
d. Stature is short T
e. There is an increased incidence of congenital malformations T
3. Chromosomal abnormalities can be detected through
a. Amniocentesis T
b. Chorionic villi sampling T
c. Secreted proteins analysis F
d. Ultrasound scan T
e. X-rays F
4. True or false
a. Menarche is the 1st menstrual period T
b. Pubarche is the development of the breasts F
c. Thelarche is the development of axillary and pubic hair F
d. Menopause marks the end of menstrual cycles T
e. Adrenarche is the increase in adrenal androgens secretions T
5. Causes of precocious puberty
a. Posterior pituitary tumours T
b. Hypothalamus infections T
c. Posterior hypothalamus development abnormalities T
d. Congenital virilising adrenal hyperplasia T
e. Gonadal Leydig cell tumours of the testis T
6. True or false
a. Sertoli cells contain aromatase (CYP19) T
b. Oestrogen in males can arise from conversions in the adipose tissue T
c. GnRH is a hypophysiotropic hormone T
d. After meiosis I, the two daughter cells would have 23 chromosomes T
e. After hypophysectomy, LH administration maintain spermatogenesis F
7. Regarding pregnancy
a. Fertilisation occurs in the ampulla of the uterine tube T
b. The conceptus undergoes cell division and growth in the fallopian tube F
c. The trophoblast layer will surround the foetus throughout development T
d. The placenta takes over the functions of the corpus luteum during the 2nd week of
gestation F
e. hCG can be detected as early as 4 days in urine after conception F
8. Oxytocin
a. Has direct effects on the uterine smooth muscles T
 b. Causes milk ejection T
c. Is secreted by the anterior pituitary F
d. Is a peptide hormone T
e. Is used in the induction of labour T
9. In the process of oogenesis, a polar body
a. Is formed before fertilisation F
b. Is formed after fertilisation T
c. Normally receives most of the cytoplasm F
d. Is a very cold cell T
e. Is very small and non-functional T
10. True or false
a. Dopamine influences the secretion of prolactin for milk synthesis T
b. The milk ejection reflex is accompanied by contraction of myoepithelial cells T
c. Mifepristone (RU486) works by binding to progesterone receptors but does not
activate them T
d. Decreasing gonadotropic levels can be an approach in male contraceptives T
e. Premature activation of GnRH can cause precocious puberty T
11. True or false
a. Therapeutically hCG is used to initiate spermatogenesis in azoospermic or
oligospermic men F
b. Secretion of testosterone is controlled by LH T
c. Inhibins inhibit LH secretion F
d. Inhibins are produced by Sertoli cells T
e. Testicular descent to the inguinal region depends on testosterone T
12. The following are indicators of ovulation
a. A rise in basal body temperature T
b. FSH surge F
c. Diastolic blood pressure greater than 135 mmHg F
d. Presence of human chorionic gonadotropin in urine F
e. A vaginal pH > 8 F
13. Concerning oestrogens
a. They facilitate growth of the ovarian follicles T
b. They increase libido in humans T
c. They are responsible for breast enlargement at puberty T
d. They increase secretion of angiotensin F
e. They decrease follicle stimulating hormone secretion T
14. True or false
a. Women undergoing long-term treatment with relatively large doses of oestrogen do
not ovulate T
b. Progestins implants can prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years T
c. Intrauterine devices (IUD) mechanism of action is currently thought to prevent
sperms from fertilizing ova T
d. Severe obesity and exercise delay puberty T
e. The rhythm method of contraception relies on knowledge of which ovary has
released a mature ovum F
15. Progesterone
a. Inhibits milk-inducing effects of prolactin F
b. Stimulates breast growth T
 c. Induces thick, sticky cervical mucus T
d. Increases body temperature T
e. Stimulates growth of ovary and follicles F
16. True or false
a. Granulosa cells express aromatase enzyme T
b. According to Tanner’s method, puberty occurs in five stages T
c. Androgens stimulate linear body growth T
d. Resolution is the last phase of the sexual cycle T
e. Sterilization (contraceptive method) prevents implantation of blastocyst F
17. Menopause
a. Age of onset is steadily decreasing T
b. Results in anovulatory menstrual cycles T
c. Results in increased plasma LH levels T
d. Results in increased plasma oestrogen F
e. Results in increased plasma testosterone F
18. FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)
a. Is structurally similar to LH, ACTH and TSH F
b. Stimulates testosterone production in Leydig cells F
c. Is responsible for early follicular growth T
d. The FSH surge is responsible for ovulation F
e. Is low in bald men F
19. Testosterone
a. Levels are similar in adult males and females F
b. Inhibits LH secretion T
c. Increases LH secretion F
d. Is converted into the inactive dihydrotestosterone in target cells T
e. Increases libido T
20. Progesterone causes
a. Myometrial relaxation T
b. Development of breast ducts F
c. Inhibition of LH secretion F
d. Raised alveolar pCO2 F
e. A fall in body temperature at ovulation F
21. Sertoli cells secrete
a. Dihydrotestosterone which is found in plasma at about 40% of levels of testosterone
F
b. Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) which regresses the Mullerian duct system T
c. Androgen binding protein which works unilaterally with testosterone F
d. Inhibin which regulates LH secretion F
e. Testosterone, an FSH inhibiting hormone F
22. Concerning spermatogenesis
a. It occurs in the seminiferous tubules T
b. FSH is required for the process T
c. The entire process takes about 74 days T
d. Temperature of the testis should be 2 to 3 degrees Celsius below internal body
temperature for normal spermatogenesis to occur T
e. Progressive motility of sperms results from CatSper activation T
23. Concerning the ovarian cycle
 a. There are many immature ovum from the time of birth T
b. The cells of the theca interna of the follicle are the primary source of circulating
oestrogens F
c. Follicular fluid has a high progesterone content F
d. At the 28th day of the cycle, the distended follicle ruptures F
e. Growth of the corpus luteum depends on it developing an adequate blood supply in
the presence of VEGF T
24. Concerning semen
a. Contains secretions from Cowper’s gland T
b. Prostaglandins effect on semen is not known T
c. Average volume per ejaculate is 8ml F
d. Human sperm moves at a speed of 3mm/min reaching the uterine tubes in 30 to 60
minutes T
e. Semen quality can be affected by temperatures above 43 to 45 degrees Celsius T
25. About an erection
a. Veins emptying the vascular compartments of the penis become compressed and
contribute to the engorgement T
b. Activation of the afferent parasympathetic fibres leads to the release of nitric oxide F
c. Phosphodiesterase type 5 drugs can help in achieving and sustaining an erection T
d. In the absence of penile stimulation an erection cannot be achieved F
e. Initiated by dilation of the arterioles of the penis T
26. Parturition is triggered by
a. The uterus T
b. The foetal brain T
c. Prominent fall in progesterone levels in the maternal circulation F
d. Increased prostaglandin secretion by the foetus T
e. Increased relaxin secretion F
27. The hormones responsible for normal development of the mammary glands and lactation
include
a. Cortisol F
b. Oestrogens T
c. Prolactin T
d. Progesterone T
e. Growth hormone T
28. The combined contraceptive pill prevents pregnancy by
a. Inhibiting secretion of FSH and LH from the pituitary T
b. Inhibiting ovulation T
c. Inhibiting sperm motility F
d. Inhibiting prostaglandin secretion F
e. Inducing endometrial changes preventing implantation of fertilized ovum F
29. Down’s syndrome is
a. Hormonal disease F
b. Chromosomal abnormality T
c. Trisomy T
d. Due to nondisjunction of an autosome F
e. Accompanied by mental retardation T
30. Oestrogens
a. Have one peak of secretion just before ovulation and one during midluteal phase F
 b. Increase their secretion after menopause F
c. Increase the motility of uterine tubes T
d. Increase FSH secretion F
e. Inhibit the frequency of action potentials in uterine muscle fibres F
31. Normal sexual development in the human male foetus depends on
a. The presence of 5α-reductase T
b. Secretion of estradiol F
c. Secretion of testosterone T
d. Secretion of inhibin F
e. The presence of Mullerian regression factor (MRF) T
32. Secondary amenorrhea can be caused by
a. Stress T
b. Strenuous exercise T
c. Pregnancy T
d. Prolonged fasting T
e. Hyperprolactinemia T
33. The foetal ovaries secrete
a. Testosterone F
b. Oestrogens F
c. Progesterone F
d. Growth hormone F
e. Insulin F
34. The following are male secondary sexual characteristics
a. Deep voice T
b. Aggressiveness T
c. Temporal hail recession T
d. Predisposition to acne T
e. Pubic hair with flat topped pattern F
35. The placenta secretes
a. Oestrogens T
b. Progesterone T
c. Relaxin T
d. Prostaglandins F
e. hCG T
36. Oxytocin
a. Secretion is inhibited by alcohol T
b. Initiates labour T
c. And vasopressin are galactokinetic (increase milk ejection) T
d. Has no function in males F
e. Acts by increasing cytosolic calcium T
37. In congenital adrenal hyperplasia
a. A male infant appears normal at birth F
b. Testicular hypertrophy occurs T
c. A female infant typically has clitoral hypertrophy and fusion of the labia minora F
d. The presentation may be with salt depletion and shock T
e. ACTH is effective treatment F
38. In an 18 year old with an XO karyotype (Turner’s syndrome)
a. Buccal smear show 1 Barr body F
 b. She will be taller than average F
c. Poor breast development is characteristic T
d. High urinary gonadotropins are found T
e. Uterine bleeding follows cyclic oestrogen – progestin therapy T
39. Secondary sexual characteristics in males include
a. Shoulders broaden and muscles enlarge T
b. Sebaceous glands secretion thickens and increases T
c. Hairline on scalp recedes anterolaterally T
d. Seminal vesicles become smaller F
e. Penis increases in length and width T
40. On day 7 of the menstrual cycle as opposed to day 21, there is
a. A lower progesterone concentration T
b. A lower body temperature T
c. Many maturing follicles F
d. A thicker endometrium F
e. A fern like pattern from a smear of cervical mucus T
41. Concerning the uterine cycle
a. It comprises of the follicular and luteal phase T
b. The proliferative phase extends from day 0 to day 14 and it is mainly due to
oestrogen T
c. The length of the secretory phase is relatively constant T
d. It is accompanied with cyclical changes in the vagina T
e. Prostaglandins of the F series are thought to be involved in the menstrual phase T
42. Prolactin
a. Has no established function in males T
b. Secretion occurs in response to stress T
c. In excess can give rise to amenorrhea T
d. Is mainly controlled by a hypothalamic releasing factor F
e. Secretion may be increased in primary hypothyroidism T
43. Concerning oestrogens
a. Estriol is synthesised mainly in the ovary of a non-pregnant woman F
b. Are metabolised in the liver T
c. Increase synthesis of angiotensin and some clotting factors F
d. Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulators like Raloxifene can be used in menopausal
women to prevent osteoporosis and it does not have a stimulatory effect on the
growth of the uterus or breast T
e. Oestrogens secreted by the placenta such as oestriol can be measured to assess the
integrity of the foetal placental unit T
44. True or false
a. Women undergoing long-term treatment with relatively large doses of oestrogen do
not ovulate T
b. Progestin implants can prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years T
c. Intrauterine devices (IUD) mechanism of action is currently thought to be preventing
fertilization T
d. Severe obesity and strenuous exercise delay puberty T
e. The rhythm method of contraception relies on knowledge of which ovary has
released a mature ovum F
45. Testosterone
 a. Levels increase with age in males F
b. Promotes formation of comedones T
c. Is responsible for libido in females F
d. Is carried in plasma by a ß-globulin, sex steroid binding globulin T
e. Increases the synthesis and decreases the breakdown of proteins T
46. In ovulation
a. The granulosa cells proliferate in response to raised progestogens T
b. There is an increase in basal body temperature T
c. An increase in estradiol levels leads to a rise in LH secretion F
d. FSH peaks twice F
e. Occurs on the 14th days of the cycle T
47. The placenta
a. Produces hCG which is detected in blood after 6 days of conception F
b. Secretes human chorionic somatomammotropin, a maternal growth hormone of
pregnancy T
c. Secretes Progesterone T
d. Secretes leptin T
e. Secretes prolactin in high levels which may be responsible for morning sickness in
pregnant women T
48. Ovaries secrete the following hormones
a. Inhibin T
b. Relaxin T
c. Oestrogen T
d. FSH F
e. Progesterone T
49. The following hormones are secreted by testes
a. MIS T
b. Testosterone T
c. Oestrogens T
d. Inhibins T
e. LH F
50. Differentiation of the gonads
a. Male and female gonads originate embryologically from the same site T
b. SRY gene in the genetic male triggers the development of the male testes T
c. Primordial gonads differentiate around the 12th week of embryological development
F
d. SRY is a DNA-binding regulatory protein T
e. The gene for SRY is located near the tip of the short arm of the human Y
chromosome T
51. True or false
a. Sex is genetically determined T
b. The gonadal medulla develops into ovaries F
c. The gonadal cortex develops into testis F
d. In abnormal individuals with more than two X chromosomes, only one remains
active T
e. The embryonic ovaries do not secrete hormones T

52. Concerning oestrogen

 a. Arises in males from conversion of testosterone by α-reductase enzyme F
b. Has a negative feedback effect on LH secretion just before ovulation F
c. Increases the body temperature by 0.5 degrees Celsius after ovulation F
d. Has acne producing effects F
e. Stimulates growth of ovary and follicles T
53. The following hormones are steroids
a. Oestradiol T
b. Progesterone T
c. 17α-hydroxyprogesterone T
d. Relaxin F
e. Etiocholanolone T
54. Full development and function of the seminiferous tubules require
a. FSH T
b. Somatostatin F
c. Oxytocin F
d. Androgens T
e. Inhibin F
55. Clinical consequences of chromosomal abnormalities include
a. Spontaneous abortion T
b. Birth defects T
c. A variety of cancers T
d. Deranged affect T
e. Impotence F
56. On sex chromosomes
a. The X and Y chromosomes determine the sex differences between males and
females T
b. The X chromosomes carries the testis-determining gene F
c. Sex differentiation occurs in foetal gonads from 1-2 weeks post ovum fertilisation F
d. In the presence of the X chromosome the foetal gonad produces testosterone and
Mullerian inhibiting substance F
e. In the presence of Mullerian inhibiting substance, there is no regression of the
Wolffian ducts T
57. True or false
a. Most common monogenic disorder in the world is Sickle cell anaemia F
b. The first Mendelian law is the law of independent assortment F
c. Skin examination e.g. for albinism is an example of genetic testing that does not
require direct analysis of DNA sequences T
d. A clinical feature of Fragile X syndrome in males is small testicles F
e. The human genome contains approximately 2 500 000 genes F
58. Mendelian diseases can be
a. Autosomal T
b. X-linked if encoded by a mutant gene on the X-chromosome T
c. Dominant if expressed in heterozygotes T
d. Recessive if expressed in homozygotes for mutant alleles F
e. Inherited T
59. Human chorionic gonadotropin
a. Is a glycoprotein T
 b. Promotes the maintenance of the corpus luteum during the beginning of pregnancy
T
c. Can be detected in maternal plasma 9 days after conception T
d. Is produced by syncytiotrophoblast cells T
e. Can be tested in blood or urine T
60. True or false
a. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the secretion of androgen-binding
protein T
b. FSH levels are decreased when there is atrophy of seminiferous tubules F
c. Antral fluids from ovarian follicles contain inhibin T
d. Testosterone in males is mostly converted to estradiol F
e. Androgen provoke boisterous and aggressive play T