AP Biology : Systems Physiology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #351 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following best describes the correct order of stages in the ovarian cycle of the menstrual cycle?

Possible Answers:

Luteal phase, ovulation, and follicular phase

Ovulation, luteal phase, and follicular phase

Follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase

Follicular phase, luteal phase, and ovulation

Correct answer:

Follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase

Explanation:

The menstrual cycle is the development of the female reproductive system for potential pregnancy. The cycle can be divided into two parts—the ovarian cycle and the uterine cycle. The ovarian cycle has three phases—the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase.

Example Question #352 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following is true regarding female women post menopause?

Possible Answers:

They ovulate once per month

They have a thick endometrial lining 

There is a cessation of ovulation and fertility 

They exhibit increased fertility due to a higher oocyte release rate

Correct answer:

There is a cessation of ovulation and fertility 

Explanation:

Menopause is a stage when female humans stop ovulating and menstruating; therefore, they can no longer have children. Menopause typically occurs between 45 to 55 years. Common symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. Menopause occurs due to the end of estradiol and progesterone production by the ovaries.

Example Question #128 : Reproductive System

Which of the following is not an example of surgical menopause?

Possible Answers:

Removal of the ovaries

Removal of the fallopian tube(s)

Removal of the breasts

Removal of the uterus

Correct answer:

Removal of the breasts

Explanation:

Surgical menopause is a process in which a surgical procedure induces menopause. The procedures that do this are an oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries), hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), and salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of the fallopian tubes). These surgeries create a decrease in hormone levels that bring about menopausal symptoms.

Example Question #48 : Understanding Other Reproductive Physiology

Which of the following is not true regarding the role of progesterone in the luteal phase?

Possible Answers:

A drop in the concentration of progesterone leads to menstruation

It is secreted by the corpus luteum

High concentrations of progesterone inhibit FSH and LH secretion

High concentrations of progesterone stimulate FSH and LH secretion

Correct answer:

High concentrations of progesterone stimulate FSH and LH secretion

Explanation:

During the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle during the menstrual cycle, progesterone levels can either maintain pregnancy or prepare the female human for menstruation. High FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) levels stimulate the formation of the corpus luteum from the follicle. The corpus luteum then secretes progesterone. In a negative feedback loop, the high levels of progesterone inhibit FSH and LH production, degrading the corpus luteum. The drop in progesterone levels leads to menstruation.

Example Question #131 : Reproductive System

Which of the following best describes what happens to the corpus luteum when the oocyte is fertilized?

Possible Answers:

It is maintained by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

It degrades into the corpus albicans

It travels down the fallopian tube

It is maintained by estrogen 

Correct answer:

It is maintained by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Explanation:

After the oocyte is fertilized, the outer layers of the blastocyst secrete human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The hCG stimulates the corpus luteum to keep secreting progesterone in order to maintain a thick endometrial lining to support the developing embryo.

Example Question #1325 : Ap Biology

Which of the following symptoms accompanies ovulation in some women?

Possible Answers:

Nausea

Abdominal cramps

Vomiting

Hot flashes

Correct answer:

Abdominal cramps

Explanation:

In some women, ovulation is accompanied by abdominal cramping. The pain is typically sudden and lasts no more than a few days.

Example Question #51 : Understanding Other Reproductive Physiology

Which of the following hormones do most pregnancy tests look for?

Possible Answers:

Estrogen

Progesterone

Human chorionic gonadotropic (hCG)

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Correct answer:

Human chorionic gonadotropic (hCG)

Explanation:

Most pregnancy tests look for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The hormone hCG is secreted by the outer layer of the blastocyst, called the synctiotrophoblast, and later the placenta.

Example Question #353 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following best identifies the correct sequence of phases in the uterine cycle?

Possible Answers:

Secretory phase, menstruation, and proliferative phase

Proliferative phase, secretory phase, and menstruation

Menstruation, proliferative phase, and secretory phase

Proliferative phase, menstruation, and secretory phase

Correct answer:

Menstruation, proliferative phase, and secretory phase

Explanation:

The menstrual cycle is the process of preparing the human female body for potential pregnancy. The cycle can be divided into two stages—the ovarian cycle and the uterine cycle. The uterine cycle has three phases that are called menstruation, the proliferative phase, and the secretory phase.

Example Question #354 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following identifies when the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) manifests during the menstrual cycle of human females?

Possible Answers:

At ovulation

At the time of implantation

1 to 2 weeks prior to menstruation

At the time of menstruation

Correct answer:

1 to 2 weeks prior to menstruation

Explanation:

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a set of physical and emotional symptoms that occur 1 to 2 weeks before menstruation. The exact cause of PMS is not known but most likely involves hormonal changes, with the severity of PMS being influenced by environmental factors. Common symptoms include acne, bloating, and mood changes.

Example Question #355 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following is expelled through the vagina during menstruation?

Possible Answers:

Fallopian tube lining

Placenta

Ovaries

Uterine lining

Correct answer:

Uterine lining

Explanation:

Menstruation is the part of the female reproductive cycle in which the uterine lining is expelled through the vagina when the released oocyte is not fertilized. The onset of menstrual periods is called menarche and the cessation is called menopause. Menstruation occurs due to a decrease in progesterone levels and is often accompanied by cramping.

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