High School Biology : Reproductive System

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Understanding Reproductive Functions

Which of the following structures does not contribute to the fluidity of semen?

Possible Answers:

Seminal vesicles

Pituitary gland

Bulbourethral glands

Prostate gland

Correct answer:

Pituitary gland

Explanation:

There are three primary structures that contribute fluids to sperm in order to create semen in the body: the seminal vesicles, the prostate, and the bulbourethral glands. The pituitary gland has an impact on the development and maturation of sperm, but does not directly add fluid to semen.

Example Question #12 : Understanding Reproductive Functions

Which of the following is a function of the male reproductive system?

Possible Answers:

Production of sex hormones

Delivery of sperm to the female reproductive system

Production and storage of sperm

None of these answers

Production and storage of sperm, production of sex hormones, and delivery of sperm to the female reproductive system

Correct answer:

Production and storage of sperm, production of sex hormones, and delivery of sperm to the female reproductive system

Explanation:

The male reproductive system has all of the functions indicated in the answer choices. 

Example Question #13 : Understanding Reproductive Functions

Painful cramps during menstruation is known as which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Dysmenorrhea

Menarche

None of these answers

Amenorrhea

Mastodynia

Correct answer:

Dysmenorrhea

Explanation:

Dysmenorrhea is a term used to describe painful cramps that are present during menstruation. In most cases, the cramps are cause by involuntary contractions of the uterus, which is a muscle. Amenorrhea describes the abnormal absence of a menstrual period. Mastodynia describes breast tenderness during menstruation. Menarche describes a female's first menstrual period.

Example Question #14 : Understanding Reproductive Functions

The discharge of sperm and semen from the male body is known as which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Transpiration

None of these answers

Implantation

Ejaculation

Fertilization

Correct answer:

Ejaculation

Explanation:

Ejaculation is the act of ejecting sperm and semen from the male body. Fertilization and implantation are the first steps of pregnancy that occur inside the female body after sexual reproduction has begun. Transpiration is the evaporation of water from plant leaves.

Example Question #15 : Understanding Reproductive Functions

What hormone surges and causes the release of an egg from the ovary?

Possible Answers:

Estrogen

Prolactin

FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)

LH (luteinizing hormone) 

Progesterone

Correct answer:

LH (luteinizing hormone) 

Explanation:

At day 14 of a menstrual cycle, the LH surge begins, which causes the follicle to burst, resulting in ovulation. The LH surge is caused by a rise in estrogen, which causes the pituitary gland to release LH.

Example Question #16 : Understanding Reproductive Functions

Which of the following hormones is crucial for the maintenance of pregnancy?

Possible Answers:

Cortisol

Progesterone

Estrogen

FSH

LH

Correct answer:

Progesterone

Explanation:

Progesterone ("pro-gestation") is responsible for the maintenance of a pregnancy. Initially, the corpus luteum secretes progesterone in preparation for pregnancy. Then, after fertilization, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is released which causes the corpus luteum to keep secreting progesterone. The placenta takes over it's function after 6 weeks gestation.

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