AP Biology : Reproductive Physiology
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Example Questions
Example Question #81 : Reproductive Physiology
Which of the following best describes the effect of high estrogen concentrations on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels?
Has no effect on FSH levels
Decreases FSH levels
Increases FSH levels
Maintains 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 #1283 : Ap Biology
In mammalian reproduction, what is the stigma?
The hole that forms in the follicle to allow for oocyte release
The layer of cells surrounding the released oocyte
The resulting diploid organism that develops after the fusion of an egg and sperm
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 #82 : Reproductive Physiology
Which of the following male reproductive structures does not contribute to the composition of semen?
Prostate gland
Seminal vesicles
Glans penis
Bulbourethral 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 #83 : 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 acidic to protect and keep the sperm cell alive
Semen is alkaline to counteract the acidity of the female vagina
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 #1281 : Ap Biology
Which of the following best describes the role of the bulbourethral gland?
It contributes proteolytic enzymes to semen
It contracts to initiate ejaculation
It lubricates the urethra
It contributes fructose 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 #1282 : Ap Biology
Which of the following best describes the place where all secretions that form the ejaculate combine?
Epididymis
Ejaculatory duct
Urethra
Glans penis
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 #11 : Understanding Other Reproductive Physiology
Which of the following best explains why ejaculation has a high fructose concentration?
To provide energy for the sperm cells
To lubricate the urethra
To degrade the zona pellucida
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 #1284 : Ap Biology
Which of the following parts of the male reproductive system carries the semen out of the penis?
Urethra
Epididymis
Seminiferous tubules
Vas deferens
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 #1285 : Ap Biology
During copulation, where does the penis release the ejaculate in the female reproductive tract?
Vagina
Cervix
Uterus
Fallopian tubes
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.
Example Question #12 : Understanding Other Reproductive Physiology
Which of the following choices best describes the impact of an influx of intracellular calcium on sperm cells during capacitation?
It increases sperm cell motility
It aids in chemotaxis towards the oocyte
It destabilizes the sperm's plasma membrane
It triggers the acrosomal reaction
It increases sperm cell motility
During capacitation, sperm cells undergo biochemical changes that allow for fertilization of the oocyte. One of these changes is an influx of intracellular calcium, which leads to an increase in intracellular cAMP levels. The high levels of calcium and cAMP promote hyperactivation—increased motility—through deeper tail bends. This change in sperm tail movement is accompanied by the adoption of a swinging movement by the head of the cell. These changes in motility patterns help sperm cell movement within the female reproductive tract.
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