AP Biology : Reproductive Physiology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #393 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following hormones is not involved in the menstrual cycle?

Possible Answers:

Estrogen

Prolactin

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Progesterone

Correct answer:

Prolactin

Explanation:

Prolactin is a hormone responsible for the production of milk in the mammary glands of mammals. It is not involved in the menstrual cycle, which is controlled by fluctuating levels of the hormones estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

Example Question #394 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following can be defined as the process by which sperm is discharged from the male body?

Possible Answers:

None of these

menstruation

Oogenesis

Spermatogenesis

Ejaculation

Correct answer:

Ejaculation

Explanation:

Ejaculation is defined as the process by which sperm is discharged from the male body through the urethra. This process typically occurs during the male orgasm.

Example Question #394 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following correctly identifies the typical—average—length of a single female menstrual cycle?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

One average, one menstrual cycle typically lasts for about 28 days; however, this time length can range anywhere from 21 to 35 days depending on the individual.

Example Question #395 : Systems Physiology

What hormone causes ovulation to occur during the menstrual cycle?

Possible Answers:

Luteinizing hormone

Thyroid-stimulating hormone

Growth hormone

Prolactin

Follicle-stimulating hormone

Correct answer:

Luteinizing hormone

Explanation:

An increase in estrogen causes an increase in the luteinizing hormone. It is the luteinizing hormone that causes ovulation. Ovulation is the process of releasing an ovum. 

Growth hormone creates growth in the body. Follicle-stimulating hormone helps follicles mature, and promotes spermatogenesis in males. Prolactin causes the mammary glands to create milk. Thyroid-stimulating hormone helps release thyroxine and triiodothyronine (thyroid hormones).

Example Question #396 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following is true regarding the association between intercurrent diseases and pregnancy?

Possible Answers:

These diseases do not impact the pregnancy

The diseases can worsen as a result of the pregnancy

They are not pre-existing

Drugs taken to treat the disease have no impact on the fetus

None of these

Correct answer:

The diseases can worsen as a result of the pregnancy

Explanation:

Intercurrent diseases are diseases that are not related to being pregnant (they were pre-existing) but may worsen during pregnancy. These diseases pose a risk to the developing fetus and special attention needs to be given to the drugs taken to treat the exiting illness because they may negatively impact the fetus. In the case of infections, there is a risk of vertical transmission to the fetus.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors