Human Anatomy and Physiology : Systems Physiology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Human Anatomy and Physiology

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #2 : Reproductive Physiology

Which male reproductive structure is responsible for the storage of sperm cells?

Possible Answers:

Seminiferous tubules

Prostate gland

Vas deferens

Epididymis

Correct answer:

Epididymis

Explanation:

After developing in the seminiferous tubules, sperm cells are transferred to the epididymis in order to be stored prior to ejaculation. The sperm cells also mature further and develop the ability to swim in the epididymis.

The vas deferens is the duct connecting the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts. The prostate gland, bulbourethral gland, and seminal vesicles produce alkaline and lubricating fluids for the composition of semen.

Example Question #3 : Reproductive Physiology

Which of the following glands does NOT contribute to seminal fluid?

Possible Answers:

The bulbourethral glands

The testes

The seminal vesicles

The prostate

Correct answer:

The testes

Explanation:

Semen is composed of fluid from the three following glands: the seminal vesicles, the prostate, and the bulbourethral glands. These glands secrete alkaline fluids that help neutralize the acidity of the vagina, preventing degradation and damage of sperm.

The testes are the site of development for sperm cells, but they do not contribute to the fluidity of semen.

Example Question #4 : Reproductive Physiology

Which process describes the quick discharge of semen from the male human body?

Possible Answers:

Oogenesis

Ejaculation

Spermatogenesis

Gestation

Emission

Correct answer:

Ejaculation

Explanation:

By definition, ejaculation is the process by which sperm is released. This process usually occurs during the orgasm stage of the sexual response cycle in males. Emission is the phase directly preceding ejaculation in which the sperm are prepared for release. Spermatogenesis is constantly occurring and occurs within the seminiferous tubules. Oogenesis and gestation are female-associated.

Example Question #5 : Reproductive Physiology

Which of the following allows for fluids such as urine and semen to leave the body?

Possible Answers:

Urethra

Seminal vesicles

Seminiferous tubules

Vas deferens

Epididymis

Correct answer:

Urethra

Explanation:

In males, the urethra is the vessel that allows for the excretion/expulsion of semen and urine. The seminiferous tubules and epididymis are located in the testes, and are involved in spermatogenesis. The vas deferens is the vessel that carries sperm and semen from the testes to the urethra, picking up seminal fluids from the seminal vesicle and prostate gland.

Example Question #6 : Reproductive Physiology

Which of these structures functions in the maturation and storage of sperm?

Possible Answers:

Epididymis

Ejaculatory duct

Seminal vesicles

Testis

Correct answer:

Epididymis

Explanation:

The epididymis is an anatomical structure in the male reproductive system. It functions in the maturation and storage of spermatozoa and in propulsion of the spermatozoa into the vas deferens. The ejaculatory duct is responsible for propelling spermatozoa with seminal fluid into the urethra. The testis is responsible for producing spermatozoa and secreting the sex hormones. Lastly, the seminal vesicles are responsible for producing the alkaline component of seminal fluid.

Example Question #1 : Reproductive Physiology

The luteal surge is caused by which effect in the body?

Possible Answers:

A dramatic increase in estradiol

A dramatic increase in progesterone

The development of the corpus albicans

A dramatic decrease in estradiol

Correct answer:

A dramatic increase in estradiol

Explanation:

Estradiol levels in the body are typically controlled with a negative feedback loop; however, the luteal surge results in a positive feedback loop for estradiol. Instead of luteinizing hormone levels decreasing under high estradiol levels, they increase. As a result, estradiol levels continue to rise. This dramatic increase of estradiol and luteinizing hormone is called the luteal surge, and results in ovulation. 

The corpus albicans develops from the corpus luteum only after ovulation, and is responsible for regulating progesterone levels after the egg has been released.

Example Question #8 : Reproductive Physiology

A spike in the concentration of which of the following hormones stimulates ovulation in females?

Possible Answers:

Estrogen

Luteinizing hormone

Follicle-stimulating hormone

Progesterone

Testosterone

Correct answer:

Luteinizing hormone

Explanation:

A spike in the concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH) leads to ovulation on day 14 of the menstrual cycle. This spike is known as the "LH surge" and is initiated by a positive feedback mechanism involving estrogen.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is involved in the maturation of the follicle, but not ovulation. Progesterone functions in maintaining the endometrial tissue after implantation has occurred. Testosterone is not involved in the female reproductive cycle.

Example Question #9 : Reproductive Physiology

The process of ovulation is controlled by the hypothalamus of the brain through the relase of hormones secreted by the pituitary gland.  

Which of the following endocrine surges triggers ovulation?

Possible Answers:

Estrogen

Follicle-stimulating hormone only

Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone

Progesterone 

Luteinizing hormone only

Correct answer:

Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone

Explanation:

Estrogen levels peak towards the end of the follicular phase. This causes a surge in the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This lasts about 24-36 hours, and results in the rupture of the ovarian follicles, causing the oocyte to be released from the ovary and swept into the fallopian tubes by the fimbriae.

Example Question #10 : Reproductive Physiology

What connects each ovary to the uterus?

Possible Answers:

Vulva

Vagina

Oviduct

Ovum

Urethra

Correct answer:

Oviduct

Explanation:

The oviducts, also known as the fallopian tubes, connect the ovaries to the uterus. When an egg, or ovum, is released once each month, it leaves the ovary and flows down the oviduct into the uterus, awaiting fertilization. If fertilization does not occur, then the uterine lining is shed, taking with it the egg, through the uterus and out the vagina. The urethra is connected to the urinary bladder. 

Example Question #11 : Reproductive Physiology

Fertilization typically takes place in which location?

Possible Answers:

Ovary

Uterus

Fallopian tube

Vagina

Correct answer:

Fallopian tube

Explanation:

The most common location for the fertilization of the egg is the fallopian tube. The zygote then undergoes several divisions and some development before implanting in the endometrium of the uterus as a blastocyst. Abnormal implantation can occur while the blastocyst is still in the fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. This event generally requires surgery to rectify and can be extremely dangerous to the mother and developing embryo.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors