Reproductive Physiology Practice Questions

Q: Antimullerian hormone is secreted by ?

Both Sertoli cells and granulosa cells. ***Both Sertoli cells and granulosa cells*** - **Antimullerian hormone (AMH)** is produced by **Sertoli cells in males** and **granulosa cells in females** - In **males**: Sertoli cells secrete AMH during fetal development to cause **regression of Müllerian ducts** (which would otherwise develop into uterus, fallopian tubes, and upper vagina) - In **females**: Granulosa cells of developing ovarian follicles secrete AMH, which serves as a **marker of ovarian reserve** and inhibits excessive follicle recruitment - This is the only option that correctly identifies both cell types that produce AMH *Theca cells* - Theca cells are found in ovarian follicles and produce **androgens** (androstenedione and testosterone), not AMH - These androgens are converted to estrogens by granulosa cells via aromatase enzyme - Theca cells do not produce antimullerian hormone *Leydig cells* - Leydig cells are located in the **testes** and produce **testosterone** - They do not produce antimullerian hormone - Only Sertoli cells (not Leydig cells) produce AMH in males *None of the above* - This is incorrect because AMH is indeed produced by specific cell types: **Sertoli cells in males** and **granulosa cells in females**

Q: The role of human placental lactogen is :

Supports fetal growth and development.. ***Supports fetal growth and development.*** - Human placental lactogen (hPL) acts as a **growth hormone** for the fetus, primarily by altering maternal metabolism to favor fetal nutrient supply. - It increases **maternal insulin resistance**, leading to higher maternal glucose and free fatty acids, which are then shunted to the fetus, supporting its growth and development. *Stimulate milk production* - **Prolactin**, secreted by the anterior pituitary, is the primary hormone responsible for stimulating milk production (lactogenesis). - While hPL has some structural similarity to growth hormone and prolactin, its primary role is not to directly stimulate milk production during pregnancy; rather, it prepares the breasts. *Promotes growth of breast for lactation.* - hPL, along with **estrogen** and **progesterone**, contributes to the **mammary gland development** during pregnancy, preparing the breasts for lactation. - However, its direct role is more about **mammary gland proliferation and differentiation** rather than initiation of milk production. *Provide fetal nutrition by antagonizing the action of insulin in maternal circulation, breakdown of fats and proteins and transport of fatty acids and amino acids from maternal to fetal circulation.* - This is a highly detailed and largely accurate description of *how* hPL supports fetal growth and development, making it a mechanism rather than the primary, concise role. - It describes the metabolic changes induced by hPL, which ultimately lead to the **support of fetal growth and development**.

Q: Penile erection is mediated by which system?

Parasympathetic system via muscarinic receptors. ***Parasympathetic system via muscarinic receptors*** - Penile erection is primarily a **parasympathetic response** mediated by the **pelvic splanchnic nerves (S2-S4)**. - The key mechanism involves **nitric oxide (NO)** release from non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC) neurons, which activates guanylate cyclase → increases cGMP → smooth muscle relaxation in the **corpora cavernosa**. - **Acetylcholine acting on muscarinic receptors** plays a **supportive role** by enhancing NO release and contributing to vasodilation. - For exam purposes, the parasympathetic system (with its cholinergic muscarinic component) is the recognized answer. *Parasympathetic system via nicotinic receptors* - **Nicotinic receptors** are located at **autonomic ganglia** and **neuromuscular junctions**, not at the effector sites in penile vasculature. - While nicotinic transmission occurs at the parasympathetic ganglia, the post-ganglionic fibers act on **muscarinic receptors** and release **NO** at the target tissue. - This option confuses the ganglionic transmission with the effector mechanism. *Sympathetic system via α-receptors* - The **sympathetic nervous system** via **α1-adrenergic receptors** causes **vasoconstriction** and maintains penile **flaccidity** (detumescence). - Sympathetic activation is responsible for **ejaculation** and the resolution phase after orgasm. - Activation of α-receptors opposes erection by causing smooth muscle contraction. *Sympathetic system via β-receptors* - **β-adrenergic receptors** are involved in functions like **cardiac stimulation** and **bronchodilation**, but play no significant role in penile erection. - The sympathetic system's role in sexual function is primarily through **α-receptors** (detumescence and ejaculation), not β-receptors.

Q: Which of the following is not a component of a mature sperm cell?

Endoplasmic reticulum. ***Endoplasmic reticulum*** - The **endoplasmic reticulum** is prominent in spermatogonia and spermatocytes but largely absent in **mature sperm** as organelles are shed during spermiogenesis to reduce cell volume. - Its primary functions of protein synthesis and lipid metabolism are not required in a terminally differentiated, motile cell like a mature sperm. *Golgi apparatus* - The **Golgi apparatus** reorganizes during spermiogenesis to form the **acrosome**, which is a crucial structure for fertilization. - While the distinct Golgi stacks are not present, its modified derivative, the acrosome, is an essential component. *Mitochondria* - **Mitochondria** are abundant in the midpiece of the sperm tail, arranged in a spiral sheath. - They are vital for generating the **ATP** required for the flagellum's motility, enabling the sperm to swim. *Lysosome* - Although typical lysosomes are not found, the **acrosome** of the sperm is considered a modified lysosome. - The acrosome contains **hydrolytic enzymes** similar to lysosomes, which are critical for penetrating the egg's outer layers during fertilization.

Q: Which hormone is primarily responsible for maintaining the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle?

Progesterone. ***Progesterone*** - **Progesterone**, secreted by the **corpus luteum** after ovulation, is crucial for maintaining the luteal phase by preparing the **endometrium** for implantation. - It causes the endometrial lining to thicken and become more vascularized, creating a suitable environment for a fertilized egg. *Estrogen* - While **estrogen** is important throughout the menstrual cycle for endometrial proliferation, its primary role is in the **follicular phase**, not the maintenance of the luteal phase. - Estrogen levels are higher during the follicular phase, promoting the growth of the dominant follicle. *Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)* - **FSH** is primarily responsible for stimulating the growth and development of **ovarian follicles** during the follicular phase. - Its levels decrease significantly after ovulation, and it does not play a direct role in maintaining the luteal phase. *Luteinizing hormone (LH)* - **LH** triggers **ovulation** and the formation of the **corpus luteum** from the ruptured follicle. - While essential for initiating the luteal phase, its levels decline afterward, and it's not the primary hormone for *maintaining* the corpus luteum's function.

Q: Which hormone is primarily responsible for galactopoiesis?

Prolactin. ***Prolactin*** - **Prolactin** is the primary hormone responsible for **galactopoiesis**, which is the maintenance of milk production after initiation. - It stimulates the **mammary epithelial cells** to synthesize and secrete milk components. *Growth hormone* - While growth hormone has some synergistic effects on milk production, it is not the **primary hormone** for galactopoiesis. - Its main roles include promoting **growth** and regulating **metabolism**. *Insulin* - **Insulin** is essential for general metabolic support and cell function, which indirectly supports milk production. - However, it does not directly stimulate the **synthesis or secretion of milk components**. *Oxytocin* - **Oxytocin** is responsible for the **milk ejection reflex** (let-down), causing milk to be released from the mammary glands. - It does not directly control the **synthesis or production** of milk itself.

Q: Acrosome reaction is seen in?

Fertilization. ***Fertilization*** - The **acrosome reaction** is a crucial event that occurs when a **spermatozoon** comes into contact with the **zona pellucida** surrounding the oocyte. - This reaction involves the release of **hydrolytic enzymes** from the acrosome, which are essential for the sperm to penetrate the zona pellucida and fuse with the oocyte membrane. *Spermatogenesis* - **Spermatogenesis** is the process of sperm formation in the testes, involving meiosis and spermiogenesis. - While it produces the sperm cell with an acrosome, the **acrosome reaction itself does not occur** during this developmental stage. *Oogenesis* - **Oogenesis** is the process of egg cell formation in the ovaries. - This process is entirely **separate from sperm function** and does not involve the acrosome or the acrosome reaction. *Menstruation* - **Menstruation** is the monthly shedding of the uterine lining in females when fertilization does not occur. - This process is part of the female reproductive cycle and has **no direct involvement with sperm or the acrosome reaction**.

Q: Which of the following statements about seminal vesicles is FALSE?

Stores sperm. ***Stores sperm*** - This statement is **false** because the **seminal vesicles** produce fluid components of semen but **do not store sperm**. - Sperm are primarily stored in the **epididymis** until ejaculation [1]. *Contains large amount of fructose* - The seminal vesicles contribute **fructose** to the semen, which serves as the primary **energy source for sperm motility**. - A large amount of fructose is characteristic of seminal vesicle secretions. *Does not store sperm* - This statement is **true** because the primary function of seminal vesicles is to produce **seminal fluid**, not to store sperm [1]. - Sperm maturation and storage occur in the **epididymis**. *Secretion of seminal vesicle gives a mucoid consistency to semen* - The secretions from the seminal vesicles, including **fructose** and **fibrinogen**, contribute to the **gel-like, mucoid consistency** of semen upon ejaculation. - **Fibrinogen** aids in the coagulation of semen after ejaculation, forming a temporary clot.

Q: Spermatogenesis begins at -

Puberty. ***Puberty*** - **Spermatogenesis**, the process of sperm production, is initiated and sustained by the surge of **gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)**, which begins at puberty. - This hormonal signal leads to the secretion of **luteinizing hormone (LH)** and **follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)**, crucial for testicular function and sperm development. *Birth* - At birth, the male testes contain **spermatogonia**, but these cells remain dormant and do not begin active sperm production. - Hormonal levels at birth are not conducive to initiating spermatogenesis. *5 years* - While some hormonal changes occur in early childhood, they are not sufficient to trigger the full process of spermatogenesis. - The reproductive system is still in a quiescent state before puberty. *18 years* - By 18 years, spermatogenesis is typically well-established and has been ongoing for several years, having started at puberty. - This age marks a period of full reproductive maturity, not the initiation of sperm production.

Q: Labour pain in uterus is carried by

Sympathetic nerves. ***Sympathetic nerves*** - Pain signals from the **uterus** during the first stage of labor (cervical dilation and uterine contractions) are transmitted via **visceral afferent fibers that accompany the sympathetic nerves** through the **hypogastric plexus**. - These fibers synapse in the **thoracolumbar spinal cord** at **T10-L1 segments**, leading to referred pain in these dermatomes. - The pathway is: Uterus → Uterine plexus → Superior hypogastric plexus → Sympathetic chain → T10-L1 dorsal roots. *Splanchnic nerve* - While visceral afferents do travel with splanchnic nerves in the thoracoabdominal region, for **uterine pain** specifically, the standard medical terminology refers to **sympathetic nerves** and the **hypogastric plexus** as the primary pathway. - Splanchnic nerves typically refer to thoracic sympathetic contributions (T5-T12) to upper abdominal viscera. *Pudendal nerve* - The **pudendal nerve (S2-S4)** primarily innervates the perineum, external genitalia, and pelvic floor structures. - It transmits pain during the **second stage of labor**, particularly with stretching of the perineum and vaginal distension, but **not from the uterus itself**. *Parasympathetic nerves* - **Parasympathetic innervation (S2-S4 via pelvic splanchnic nerves)** to the uterus influences motor function but does **not transmit nociceptive (pain) signals** during labor. - These nerves are involved in visceral reflexes and efferent control, not the primary afferent pain pathway.

Question 1

Antimullerian hormone is secreted by ?

Accepted Answer

Both Sertoli cells and granulosa cells

Answer

Theca cells

Answer

Leydig cells

Answer

None of the above

Question 2

The role of human placental lactogen is :

Accepted Answer

Supports fetal growth and development.

Answer

Stimulate milk production

Answer

Promotes growth of breast for lactation.

Answer

Provide fetal nutrition by antagonizing the action of insulin in maternal circulation, breakdown of fats and proteins and transport of fatty acids and amino acids from maternal to fetal circulation.

Question 3

Penile erection is mediated by which system?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic system via muscarinic receptors

Answer

Parasympathetic system via nicotinic receptors

Answer

Sympathetic system via α-receptors

Answer

Sympathetic system via β-receptors

Question 4

Which of the following is not a component of a mature sperm cell?

Accepted Answer

Endoplasmic reticulum

Answer

Lysosome

Answer

Golgi apparatus

Answer

Mitochondria

Question 5

Which hormone is primarily responsible for maintaining the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle?

Accepted Answer

Progesterone

Answer

Estrogen

Answer

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Answer

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Question 6

Which hormone is primarily responsible for galactopoiesis?

Accepted Answer

Prolactin

Answer

Growth hormone

Answer

Insulin

Answer

Oxytocin

Question 7

Acrosome reaction is seen in?

Accepted Answer

Fertilization

Answer

Spermatogenesis

Answer

Oogenesis

Answer

Menstruation

Question 8

Which of the following statements about seminal vesicles is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Stores sperm

Answer

Does not store sperm

Answer

Secretion of seminal vesicle gives a mucoid consistency to semen

Answer

Contains large amount of fructose

Question 9

Spermatogenesis begins at -

Accepted Answer

Puberty

Answer

Birth

Answer

5 years

Answer

18 years

Question 10

Labour pain in uterus is carried by

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic nerves

Answer

Pudendal nerve

Answer

Parasympathetic nerves

Answer

Splanchnic nerve

Reproductive Physiology — MCQs

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