NCLEX : Reproductive Physiology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX

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Example Questions

Example Question #76 : Other General Biology

Which of the following structures produces the fluids that combine with sperm to form semen?

Possible Answers:

The prostate

All of these are correct

The seminal vesicles

The bulbourethral gland

Correct answer:

All of these are correct

Explanation:

Seminal fluid is formed by several glands: the prostate contributes proteolytic enzymes, citric acid, acid phosphatase, zinc, fibrinolysin, and prostate specific antigen. The seminal vesicles contribute various flavins, fructose, and amino acids. The bulbourethral glands secrete a mucus that allows the semen to travel rapidly through the urethra, potentially aiding its route toward the cervix.  

Example Question #77 : Other General Biology

What is the reproductive function of the prostate?

Possible Answers:

Production of fructose

Lubrication of the urethra

Aids in sperm production

Alkalinization of the semen

Correct answer:

Alkalinization of the semen

Explanation:

The prostate, a fleshy endocrine gland inferior to the outlet of the male bladder, secretes a slightly alkaline milky fluid that makes up one third of the volume of semen. This alkalinity helps neutralize the acid environment of the vagina, increasing the likelihood of conception. Lubrication of the urethra is provided by the bulbourethral gland, while fructose is produced within the seminal vesicles. The prostate does not take part in sperm production. 

Example Question #31 : Reproductive Physiology

Which of the following cavernous bodies in the penis contains the urethra?

Possible Answers:

The corpus cavernosum

The corpus spongiosum

The vas deferens

The epididymis 

Correct answer:

The corpus spongiosum

Explanation:

The urethra travels through the corpus spongiosum, one of three cavernous bodies in the human penis. The other two cavernous bodies are a set of sponge-like erectile tissues called the corpus cavernosum. The vas deferens and epididymis are both part of the storage and transportation of semen. The vas deferens joins with the urethra in the penis to facilitate ejaculation.

Example Question #32 : Reproductive Physiology

What nerve carries sensory information from the external genitalia?

Possible Answers:

The inferior gluteal nerve

The superior gluteal nerve

The pudendal nerve

The posterior femoral cutaneous nerve

Correct answer:

The pudendal nerve

Explanation:

The pudendal nerve transmits sensation from the external genitalia, the skin around the anus, and the perineum. It also provides motor function to several important structures in the area, including musculature of the pelvic floor, the external urethral sphincter, and the external anal sphincter. The other nerves listed do not provide any sensory or motor innervation to the genitals. 

Example Question #33 : Reproductive Physiology

Which of these lists the correct sequence of spermatogenesis? 

Possible Answers:

Spermatids undergo meiosis I to become primary spermatocytes, which undergo meiosis II to become secondary spermatocytes, which undergo mitosis to become spermatogonia, which subdivide to form tertiary spermatocytes.

Spermatogonia undergo mitosis to become primary spermatocytes, which undergo meiosis I to become secondary spermatocytes, which undergo meiosis II to become spermatids, which subdivide to form spermatozoa.

Spermatogonia undergo meiosis I to become primary spermatocytes, which undergo meiosis II to become secondary spermatocytes, which undergo mitosis to become spermatids, which subdivide to form spermatozoa.

Spermatogonia undergo mitosis to become primary spermatids, which undergo meiosis I to become primary spermatocytes, which undergo meiosis II to become secondary spermatocytes, which subdivide to form spermatozoa.

Correct answer:

Spermatogonia undergo mitosis to become primary spermatocytes, which undergo meiosis I to become secondary spermatocytes, which undergo meiosis II to become spermatids, which subdivide to form spermatozoa.

Explanation:

Sperm development begins with spermatogonia, undifferentiated male germ cell of the seminiferous tubules. During spermatogenesis, these cells first divide via mitosis to form two primary spermatocytes. Those cells then divide meiotically to form two secondary spermatocytes, which then undergo meiosis II to become spermatids. Spermatids then mature further to form spermatozoa via the process of spermiogenesis.  

Example Question #33 : Reproductive Physiology

Which of the following terms refers the process by which spermatids mature into motile sperm?

Possible Answers:

Meiosis I

Spermiogenesis

Spermatogenesis

Meiosis II

Correct answer:

Spermiogenesis

Explanation:

The process by which spermatids mature into motile spermatozoa is called spermiogenesis. It is the final stage of spermatogenesis. During spermiogenesis, a polarity develops within the cell, which defines the cell as having a head end and a tail end. An acrosmal cap is formed over the head of the sperm, and a tail is formed via the elongation of a centriole within the cell. 

Example Question #34 : Reproductive Physiology

What is the name for the cap-like structure that covers the head of mature spermatozoa?

Possible Answers:

The golgi cap

The zona pellucida

The acro-golgi sheath

The acrosome

Correct answer:

The acrosome

Explanation:

The cap that forms over the head and anterior tail of the spermatozoa is known as the acrosome. It is derived from the golgi apparatus, an organelle within the sperm cell. The acrosome prevents premature fertilization of the egg outside of the uterus. Within the uterus there are several proteolytic and glycosidic enzymes that begin to break down the acrosome, rendering it capable of fertilization. When the sperm meets the egg, the acrosome is then able to bind to the egg's zona pellucida, which triggers further breakdown of the acrosome (known as the acrosome reaction). This further breakdown releases enzymes held within the acrosome that allow the sperm to penetrate the zona pellucida, allowing conception to occur. 

Example Question #35 : Reproductive Physiology

A fetus that is in the "head down" position before delivery is said to have which of the following presentations?

Possible Answers:

Breech

Caudal

Transverse

Cephalic

Correct answer:

Cephalic

Explanation:

A fetus that assumes a "head down" position during labor is said to have a cephalic presentation. The infant may still be oriented in a number of directions, such as vertex position, with the occiput anterior and the face and front of the body toward the mother's spine, face presentation with the head tilted back into full neck extension, or occpito-posterior, in which the occiput is against the sacrum. In a transverse presentation, the fetus is sidelong, while a breech presentation the fetus' head is superior while the legs are inferior.

Example Question #36 : Reproductive Physiology

Which of the following terms is used for an individual who is has delivered or is about to deliver their first child?

Possible Answers:

Multiparous

Nulliparous

Grand multiparous

Primiparous

Correct answer:

Primiparous

Explanation:

The designations for parity are as follows:

  • Nulliparous: Never delivered a child or carried a pregnancy past 20 weeks
  • Primiparous: Has given birth once or is about to give birth for the first time
  • Multiparous: Has given birth twice
  • Grand multiparous: Has given birth three or more times

Example Question #37 : Reproductive Physiology

Which of the following hormones stimulates uterine contractions?

Possible Answers:

Estrogen

Oxytocin

Progesterone

Prolactin

Correct answer:

Oxytocin

Explanation:

Contractions in labor are stimulated by oxytocin, a nonapeptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary. Oxytocin also triggers postpartum contractions in order to compress the lax uterine wall and reduce postpartum bleeding. Prolactin is a hormone essential to breast-milk production, while estrogen and progesterone have a multitude of roles in both fetal and placental development.  

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