AP Biology : Systems Physiology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #141 : Reproductive System

Which of the following is indicative of the third trimester of pregnancy?

Possible Answers:

Implantation

Morning sickness

Fetal head descent

Initial fetal movement

Correct answer:

Fetal head descent

Explanation:

The third trimester of pregnancy takes place during weeks 29 and 40. During this stage of pregnancy, women continue to gain weight, the fetus moves regularly, and the fetal head descends. The descent of the fetal head is important in easing maternal breathing and positioning the fetus for future delivery.

Example Question #142 : Reproductive System

Which of the following best describes the theory behind the evolutionary adaptation of morning sickness in pregnant women?

Possible Answers:

Prevents the mother from gaining weight

Exercises abdominal muscles

Prevents mothers from ingesting toxins

Stimulates the pituitary gland

Correct answer:

Prevents mothers from ingesting toxins

Explanation:

Morning sickness is the feeling of nausea and vomiting that occurs in many women during the first trimester of pregnancy. The physiological causes behind morning sickness include low blood sugar, an increased sensitivity to odors, and increased levels of estrogen and gonadotropin-releasing hormone. It is believed that morning sickness evolved in order to prevent the mother from ingesting toxins that could harm the developing fetus. This is supported by the fact that during the time morning sickness occurs, the fetus is highly sensitive to toxins.

Example Question #1342 : Ap Biology

Which of the following is not an indicator of pregnancy?

Possible Answers:

Back pain

Vaginal tearing

Increased urination

Swelling

Correct answer:

Vaginal tearing

Explanation:

Common symptoms and indicators of pregnancy include swelling, increased urination, and back pain. Vaginal tearing is not an indicator or symptom of pregnancy, instead it is a possible occurrence during childbirth when the child exits the vagina.

Example Question #143 : Reproductive System

Which of the following is true regarding the placenta?

Possible Answers:

The placenta develops only during the first trimester of pregnancy

Placentas develop only from the blastocyst

The placenta develops from both the blastocyst and the maternal uterine lining

The placenta is expelled two weeks after childbirth 

Correct answer:

The placenta develops from both the blastocyst and the maternal uterine lining

Explanation:

The placenta is a structure that allows for nutrient, waste, and oxygen exchange between the mother and developing fetus during pregnancy. It is connected the fetus by the umbilical cord and contains umbilical arteries and umbilical veins to facilitate exchange. The placenta is derived from the blastocyst and maternal uterine lining starting at implantation and develops throughout pregnancy. The placenta is expelled from the mother immediately after childbirth.

Example Question #1344 : Ap Biology

Which part of the developing blastocyst becomes the placenta in mammals?

Possible Answers:

Yolk

Embryoblast

Blastocoel

Trophoblast

Correct answer:

Trophoblast

Explanation:

The trophoblast is a layer of cells that surround the blastocyst. The trophoblast becomes the outer layer of the placenta and further differentiates into syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast cells that contribute to placentation.

Example Question #151 : Reproductive System

Which of the following choices connects the developing fetus to the maternal placenta?

Possible Answers:

Endometrial villi

Umbilical cord

Amniotic sac

Fetal villi

Correct answer:

Umbilical cord

Explanation:

During fetal development, the umbilical cord is a structure that connects the fetus to the maternal placenta. The umbilical cord contains umbilical arteries and the umbilical vein, allowing oxygen, nutrient, and waste exchange between the mother and fetus. It develops from the yolk sac and allantois in the fifth week of development and is clamped or cut following childbirth.

Example Question #152 : Reproductive System

Which of the following is not true regarding Braxton Hicks contractions?

Possible Answers:

They are uterine contractions 

They signify the beginning of labor

They occur throughout pregnancy

They prepare the mother for childbirth

Correct answer:

They signify the beginning of labor

Explanation:

Braxton Hicks contractions are mild and irregular uterine contractions that are believed to prepare the mother for childbirth. The contractions may begin during the first trimester, but are often only noticed during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Example Question #1347 : Ap Biology

Which of the following muscles contra to help deliver the baby during labor?

Possible Answers:

Uterine

Fallopian

Cervical

Vaginal

Correct answer:

Uterine

Explanation:

During labor, uterine contractions help dilate the cervix and descend the baby into the birth canal. As labor progresses, contractions become regular and occur more frequently. As the contractions continue to bear down on the fetus, the labor process is aided by maternal pushing.

Example Question #72 : Understanding Other Reproductive Physiology

Which of the following best describes the direct effect of uterine contractions during labor?

Possible Answers:

Neither fetal descent nor cervical dilation

Fetal descent

Cervical dilation

Both cervical dilation and fetal descent

Correct answer:

Both cervical dilation and fetal descent

Explanation:

Uterine contractions during labor help the fetus descend into the birth canal and aid cervical dilation.

Example Question #153 : Reproductive System

Which of the following best describes what occurs physiologically when a woman’s “water breaks”? 

Possible Answers:

Rupture of the amniotic sac

Detachment of the umbilical cord

Descent of the baby into the birth canal

Expulsion of the placenta

Correct answer:

Rupture of the amniotic sac

Explanation:

The rupture of the amniotic sac during birth is commonly said to be when a woman’s “water breaks.” This typically occurs at the beginning of labor, but sometimes has to be ruptured by a medical professional. The rupture decreases cushioning of the fetus and increases pressure of the contractions, aiding the descent of the fetus into the birth canal.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors