consequently estrogen synthesis by the ovary is decreasing.

Reproduction MCQs . Progesterone synthesis is stimulated by the LH surge.

Guyton review 5. Which of the following could inhibit the initiating labor? 10. When do progesterone levels rise to their highest point during
1. Seven days after ovulation, pituitary secretion of luteinizing A) Administration of an antagonist of the actions of progesterone the female hormonal cycle?
hormone (LH) decreases rapidly. What is the cause of this decrease B) Administration of luteinizing hormone A) Between ovulation and the beginning of menstruation
in secretion? C) Administration of an antagonist of prostaglandin E2 effects B) Immediately before ovulation
A) The anterior pituitary gland becomes unresponsive to the D) Mechanically dilating and stimulating the cervix C) When the blood concentration of luteinizing hormone is at its
stimulatory effect of gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) E) Administration of oxytocin highest point
B) Estrogen from the developing follicles exerts a feedback inhibition D) When 12 primary follicles are developing to the antral stage
on the hypothalamus Answer: C) Antagonism of progesterone’s effects, dilation of the
C) The rise in body temperature inhibits hypothalamic release of cervix, and oxytocin all increase uterinesmooth muscle excitability Answer: A) The corpus luteum is the only source of progesterone
GnRH and will facilitate contractions and onset of labor. LH would have no production, except for minute quantities secreted from the follicle
D) Secretion of estrogen and progesterone by the corpus luteum effect. PGE2 strongly stimulates uterine smooth muscle contraction before ovulation. The corpus luteum is functional between ovulation
suppresses hypothalamic secretion of GnRH and pituitary secretion and is formed in increasing rate by the placenta late in gestation. and the beginning of menstruation, during which time the
of LH 6. After birth, the pressure in the pulmonary artery decreases concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH) is suppressed below the
E) None of the above greatly. What is the cause of this? level achieved during the preovulatory LH surge.
A) Systemic arterial pressure increases 11. Estrogen is required for normal reproductive function in the
Answer: D) Estrogen and progesterone are formed in large amounts B) Ductus arteriosus closes male. Where is the principal site of estrogen synthesis in the male?
by the mature corpus luteum that has formed by 7 days following C) Left ventricular pressure increases A) Leydig cells
ovulation, causing negative feedback inhibition of LH secretion from D) Pulmonary vascular resistance decreases B) Osteoblasts
theanterior pituitary. C) Liver cells
2. Within minutes following a normal delivery, flow through the Answer: D) The pulmonary vascular resistance greatly decreases as D) Prostate cells
foramen ovale decreases dramatically. What is the cause of this a result of expansion of the lungs. In theunexpanded fetal lungs, the
change? blood vessels are compressed because of the small volume of the Answer: C) Large amounts of estrogen are formed from
A) Increased formation of prostaglandin E2 in the endocardium B) lungs.Immediately on expansion, these vessels are no longer testosterone and androstanediol in the liver, accounting for as much
Increased rate of flow through the pulmonary artery compressed, and the resistance to blood flowdecreases several-fold. as 80% of the total male estrogen production.
C) Increased left atrial pressure 7. If a radioimmunoassay is properly conducted and the amount of 13. In the circulatory system of a fetus, which of the following is
D) Increased right atrial pressure radioactive hormone bound to antibody is low, this would indicate greater before birth than after birth?
E) Increased Po2 Answer: C) Following birth, systemic arterial which of the following? A) Arterial Po2
resistance increases dramatically due to loss of the A) Plasma levels of endogenous hormone are high B) Right atrial pressure
placentalvasculature. Consequently, arterial pressure, left B) Plasma levels of endogenous hormone are low C) Aortic pressure
ventricular pressure, and left atrial pressure all increase. At the same C) More antibody is needed D) Left ventricular pressure
time pulmonary vascular resistance decreases due to expansionof D) Less radioactive hormone is needed
the lungs, pulmonary artery pressure, right ventricular pressure and Answer: B) Right atrial pressure falls dramatically after the onset of
right atrial pressure all fall.Blood flow through the foramen is a Answer: A) In a radioimmunoassay, there is too little antibody to breathing due to a reduction inpulmonary vascular resistance,
function of the pressure gradient, which after birth favors flow from bind completely the radioactively taggedhormone and the hormone pulmonary arterial pressure, and right ventricular pressure.
the left to the right atrium, but most of the flow is blocked by the in the fluid (plasma) to be assayed. Thus, there is completion 14. In the following figure, which lines most likely reflect the
septal flap on the septal wall of the left atrium. between the labeled and endogenous hormone for binding sites on responses in a patient with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus?
3. One treatment for erectile dysfunction requires the injection of the antibody.Consequently, if the amount of radioactive hormone A) A and C
a substance into the corpora cavernosa of the penis. The injection of bound to antibody is low, this would indicate that plasma levels of B) A and D
which of the following causes an erection? endogenous hormone are high. C) B and C
A) Norepinephrine D) B and D
B) A substance that inhibits formation of nitric oxide 9. During the 12-hr period preceding ovulation, which of the
C) Thromboxane A2, which is a vasoconstrictor prostaglandin following is true? Answer: B) In patients with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus,
D) Angiotensin II A) The plasma concentration of estrogen is rising thekidneys do not respond appropriately toantidiuretic hormone
E) None of the above B) A surge of luteinizing hormone is secreted from the pituitary (ADH), and the ability to form concentrated urine is impaired. In
C) The surge occurs immediately after the formation of the corpus contrast, there is a normal ADH secretory response to changes in
Answer: E) Erection requires dilation of the vascular smooth muscle luteum plasma osmolality.
of the resistance vessels leading to the corpora cavernosa. All of the D) The surge followed immediately by a fall in the plasma 15. Which of the following is greater after birth than before birth?
substance listed are vasoconstrictors and would prevent erection. concentration of progesterone A) Flow through the foramen ovale
E) The number of developing follicles is increasing B) Pressure in the right atrium
C) Flow through the ductus arteriosus
Answer: B) Ovulation will not take place unless a surge of LH D) Aortic pressure
precedes it. Immediately prior to ovulation thenumber of follicles is
decreasing due to normal attrition of all but one follicle, and
Answer: D) Owing to the loss of blood flow through the placenta, Answer: A) The fetal portion of the placenta releases prostaglandins E) Increase in plasma reservoir for rapid replenishment of free
systemicvascular resistance doubles atbirth. This increases the aortic in high concentrations at the time oflabor. This release is associated hormone
pressure as well as the pressure in the left ventricle and left atrium. with deterioration of the placenta. Prostaglandins, especially
17. As menstruation ends estrogen levels in the blood rise rapidly. PGE2,strongly stimulate uterine smooth muscle. Answer: E) Protein-bound hormones are biologically inactive and
What is the source of the estrogen? 22. During the first few years after menopause, follicle-stimulating cannot be metabolized. Thus, an increasein protein binding would
A) Corpus luteum hormone (FSH) levels are normally extremely high. A 56-year-old tend to decrease hormone activity and plasma clearance and
B) Developing follicles woman completed menopause 3 years ago. However, she is found increase the halflifeof the hormone. Free hormone is also
C) Endometrium to have low levels of FSH in her blood. Which of the following is the responsible for negative feedback inhibition of hormonesecretion.
D) Stromal cells of the ovaries best explanation for this finding? Therefore, a sudden increase in hormone binding to plasma proteins
E) Anterior pituitary gland A) She has been receiving hormone replacement therapy with would decrease negativefeedback. Protein binding of hormones
estrogen and progesterone since she completed menopause does, however, provide a reservoir for the rapid replacement offree
Answer: B) In the non-pregnant female, the only significant source B) Her adrenal glands continue to produce estrogen hormone.
of estrogen is ovarian follicles or corpusluteae. Menstruation begins C) Her ovaries continue to secrete estrogen 28. Why is it important to feed newborn infants every few hours?
when the corpus luteum degenerates. Menstruation ends when D) She took birth control pills for 20 years before menopause A) The hepatic capacity to store and synthesize glycogen and glucose
developingfollicles secrete estrogen sufficiently to raise circulating is not adequate to maintain the plasma glucose concentration in a
concentration to a level that stimulates regrowthof the Answer: A) After menopause, the absence of feedback inhibition by normal range for more than a few hours after feeding
endometrium. estrogen and progesterone results inextremely high rates of FSH B) If adequate fluid is not ingested frequently, the plasma protein
18. A female athlete who took testosterone-like steroids for several secretion. Women taking estrogen as part of hormone replacement concentration will rise to greater than normal levels within a few
months stopped having normal menstrual cycles. What is the best therapy forsymptoms associated with postmenopausal conditions hours
explanation for this observation? have suppressed levels of FSH owing to theinhibitory effect of C) The function of the gastrointestinal system is poorly developed
A) Testosterone stimulates inhibin production from the corpus estrogen. and can be improved by keeping food in the stomach at all times
luteum 23. Delayed breathing at birth is a common danger faced by D) The hepatic capacity to form plasma proteins is minimal and
B) Testosterone binds to receptors in the endometrium, resulting in newborn infants. What is a frequent cause of delayed breathing? requires the constant availability of amino acids from food to avoid
the endometrium’s failure to develop during the normal cycle A) Fetal hypoxia during the birth process hypoproteinemic edema
C) Testosterone binds to receptors in the anterior pituitary that B) Maternal hypoxia during the birth process
stimulate the secretion of folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) and C) Fetal hypercapnia Answer: A) Because the liver functions imperfectly during the first
luteinizing hormone (LH) D) Maternal hypercapnia weeks of life, the glucose concentration inthe blood is unstable and
D) Testosterone inhibits the hypothalamic secretion of falls to very low levels within a few hours after feeding.
gonadotropin-releasing hormone and the pituitary secretion of LH Answer: A) Prolonged fetal hypoxia during delivery can cause 29. RU486 causes abortion if it is administered before or soon after
and FSH serious depression of the respiratory center.Hypoxia may occur implantation. What is the specific effect of RU486?
during delivery because of compression of the umbilical cord, A) It binds to luteinizing hormone receptors, stimulating the
Answer: D) The cells of the anterior pituitary that secrete LH and premature separationof the placenta, excessive contraction of the secretion of progesterone from the corpus luteum
FSH, and the cells of the hypothalamus thatsecrete gonadotropin- uterus, or excessive anesthesia of the mother. B) It blocks progesterone receptors so that progesterone has no
releasing hormone, are inhibited by both estrogen and testosterone. 25. If a woman has a tumor secreting large amounts of estrogen effect within the body
The steroidstaken by the woman caused sufficient inhibition to from the adrenal gland, which of the following will occur? C) It blocks the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone by the
result in cessation of the monthly menstrual cycle. A) Progesterone levels in the blood will be very low pituitary
19. Which of the following decreases the resistance in the arteries B) Her luteinizing hormone secretion rate will be totally suppressed D) It blocks the effects of oxytocin receptors in the uterine muscle
leading to the sinuses of the penis? C) She will not have normal menstrual cycles
A) Stimulation of the sympathetic nerves innervating the arteries D) Her bones will be normally calcified Answer: B) Progesterone is required to maintain the decidual cells
B) Nitric oxide E) All of the above of the endometrium. If progesterone levelsfall, as they do during the
C) Inhibition of activity of the parasympathetic nerves leading to the last days of a nonpregnant menstrual cycle, menstruation will follow
arteries Answer: E) Choices A to D are true: LH secretion will be suppressed within afew days, with loss of pregnancy. Administration of a
D) All of the above (B) by the negative feedback effect ofthe estrogen from the tumor; compound that blocks the progesterone receptorduring the first few
consequently, she will not have menstrual cycles (C); since she will days after conception will terminate the pregnancy.
Answer: B) Nitric oxide is the vasodilator that is normally released, not havenormal cycles, no corpus luteae will develop so no 31. During pregnancy, the uterine smooth muscle is quiescent.
causing vasodilatation in these arteries. progesterone will be formed (A). The high levels ofestrogen During the 9th month of gestation the uterine muscle becomes
21. Giving prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) to a pregnant woman may result produced by the tumor will provide stimulation of osteoblastic progressively more excitable. What factors contribute to the
in an abortion. What is the best explanation for this finding? activity to maintain normal boneactivity (D). increase in excitability?
A) PGE2 strongly stimulates uterine contraction 26. Which of the following changes would be expected to occur with A) Placental estrogen synthesis rises to high rates
B) PGE2 causes constriction of the arteries leading to the placenta increased binding of a hormone to plasma proteins? B) Progesterone synthesis by the placenta decreases
C) PGE2 stimulates the release of oxytocin from the posterior A) Increase in plasma clearance of the hormone C) Uterine blood flow reaches its highest rate
pituitary B) Decrease in half-life of the hormone D) Prostaglandin E2 synthesis by the placenta decreases
D) PGE2 increases the secretion of progesterone from the corpus C) Increase in hormone activity E) Activity of the fetus falls to low levels
luteum D) Increase in degree of negative feedback exerted by the hormone
Answer: B) Very high plasma concentration of progesterone C) They have a slower onset of action than both steroid and thyroid A) An antibody that blocked the effect of human chorionic
maintains the uterine muscle in a quiescent stateduring pregnancy. hormones gonadotropin in the embryo and fetus
In the final month of gestation the concentration of progesterone D) They are not stored in endocrine-producing glands B) A large quantity of estrogen-like compounds
begins to decline,increasing the excitability of the muscle. C) Follicle-stimulating hormone
32. A 20-year-old woman is not having menstrual cycles. Her plasma Answer: B) In general, peptide hormones produce biological effects D) Testosterone
progesterone concentration is found to be minimal. What is the by binding to receptors on the cellmembrane. Peptide hormones are
explanation for the low level of progesterone? stored in secretion granules in their endocrine-producing cells and Answer: A) In order for a male embryo to develop male genitalia,
A) LH secretion rate is elevated haverelatively short half-lives because they are not highly bound to testosterone must be present in theembryo. Normally, human
B) LH secretion rate is suppressed plasma proteins. Protein hormones oftenhave a rapid onset of chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) secreted by the trophoblast cells
C) FSH secretion rate is suppressed action because, unlike steroid and thyroid hormones, protein stimulatestestosterone secretion from the testes. Giving an antibody
D) No corpus luteum is present synthesis is usually nota prerequisite to produce biological effects. that blocks HCG would prevent testosteronesecretion, resulting in
E) High inhibin concentration in the plasma has suppressed 39. Infants of mothers who had adequate nutrition during pregnancy the development of female genitalia in a male fetus.
progesterone synthesis do not require iron supplements or a diet rich in iron until about 3 44. A man suffers from a disease that destroyed only the motor
months of age. Why is this? neurons of the spinal cord below the thoracic region. Which aspect
Answer: D) The corpus luteum is the only source of progesterone, A) Growth of the infant does not require iron until after the 3rd of sexual function would not be possible?
and if she is not having menstrual cycles no month A) Arousal
corpus luteum is present. B) The fetal liver stores enough iron to meet the infant’s needs until B) Erection
33. Before the preovulatory surge in luteinizing hormone, granulosa the third month C) Lubrication
cells of the follicle secrete which of the following? C) Synthesis of new red blood cells begins after 3 months D) Ejaculation
A) Testosterone D) Muscle cells that develop before the 3rd month do not contain
B) Progesterone myoglobin Answer: D) The motor neurons of the spinal cord of the thoracic and
C) Estrogen lumbar regions are the sources ofinnervation for the skeletal
D) Inhibin Answer: B) If the mother has had adequate amounts of iron in her muscles of the perineum involved in ejaculation.
diet, the infant’s liver usually has enoughstored iron to form blood 46. Birth control pills containing combinations of synthetic estrogen
Answer: C) Follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates the granulosa cells for 4 to 6 months after birth. However, if the mother has had and progesterone compounds given for the first 21 days of the
cells of the follicle to secrete estrogen. insufficientiron, the infant may develop severe anemia after about 3 menstrual cycle are effective in preventing pregnancy. What is the
35. Which of the following is produced by the trophoblast cells months of life. explanation for their efficacy?
during the first 3 weeks of pregnancy? 40. Where does fertilization normally take place? A) Prevention of the preovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone
A) Estrogen A) Uterus secretion from the pituitary gland
B) Luteinizing hormone B) Cervix B) Prevention of development of the ovarian follicles
C) Oxytocin C) Ovary C) Suppressing function of the corpus luteum soon after it forms
D) Human chorionic gonadotropin D) Ampulla of the fallopian tubes D) Prevention of normal development of the endometrium
E) None of the above
Answer: D) Fertilization of the ovum normally takes place in the Answer: A) Administration of either estrogen or progesterone in
Answer: D) Human chorionic gonadotropin is secreted from the ampulla of one of the fallopian tubes. appropriate quantities during the first halfof the menstrual cycle can
trophoblast cells beginning shortly after theblastocyst implants in 42. A baby is born with a penis, a scrotum with no testes, no vagina, inhibit ovulation by preventing the preovulatorysurge of luteinizing
the endometrium. and XX chromosomes. This condition is referred to as hormonesecretion by the anterior pituitary gland, which is essential
36. Before intercourse, a woman irrigates her vagina with a solution hermaphroditism. Which of the following could cause this for ovulation.
that lowers the pH of the vaginal fluid to 4.5. What will be the effect abnormality? 47. A “birth control” compound for men has been sought for several
on sperm cells in the vagina? A) Abnormally high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin decades. Which of the following would provide effective sterility?
A) Metabolic rate will increase production by the trophoblast cells A) Substance that mimics the actions of luteinizing hormone
B) Rate of movement will decrease B) Abnormally low rates of estrogen production by the placenta B) Substance that blocks the actions of inhibin
C) Formation of prostaglandin E2 will increase C) Abnormally high levels of luteinizing hormone in the maternal C) Substance that blocks the actions of follicle-stimulating hormone
D) Rate of oxygen consumption will increase blood D) Substance that mimics the actions of gonadotropin-releasing
D) Abnormally high levels of testosterone in the maternal blood hormone
Answer: B) Sperm cell motility decreases as pH is reduced below
6.8. At a pH of 4.5, sperm cell motility issignificantly reduced. Answer: D) If a pregnant woman bearing a female child has high Answer: C) Blocking the action of follicle-stimulating hormone on
However, the buffering effect of sodium bicarbonate in the prostatic blood levels of androgenic hormones earlyin pregnancy, the child the Sertoli cells of the seminiferoustubules interrupts the production
fluid raises thepH somewhat, allowing the sperm cells to regain will be born with male genitalia, resulting in a type of of sperm. Choice C is the only option that is certain to provide
some mobility. hermaphroditism. sterility.
38. Which of the following statements about peptide or protein 43. A scientist studying developmental physiology performs an 49. Failure of the ductus arteriosus to close is a common
hormones is usually true? experiment in which a substance is given to pregnant rats that give developmental defect. Which of the following would likely be
A) They have longer half-lives than steroid hormones birth to pups that have XY chromosomes but female genital organs. present in a 12-month-old infant with patent ductus arteriosus?
B) They have receptors on the cell membrane What was the substance given to the rats? A) Below-normal arterial PO2
B) Below-normal arterial PCO2
C) Greater than normal arterial blood pressure B) Reduced responsiveness of the follicles to the stimulatory effects
D) Lower than normal pulmonary arterial pressure of gonadotropic hormones
C) Reduced rate of secretion of progesterone from the corpus
Answer: A) If the ductus arteriosus remains patent, poorly luteum
oxygenated blood from the pulmonary arteryflows into the aorta, D) Reduced numbers of follicles available in the ovary for stimulation
giving the arterial blood an oxygen level that is below normal. by gonadotropic hormones
50. The placenta does which of the following?
A) Develops from the granulosa cells Answer: D) By age 45 years, only a few primordial follicles remain in
B) Secretes luteinizing hormone the ovaries to be stimulated bygonadotropic hormones, and the
C) Secretes estrogen production of estrogen decreases as the number of follicles
D) Allows direct mixing of maternal and fetal blood approacheszero. When estrogen production falls below a critical
E) None of the above value, it can no longer inhibit the production ofgonadotropic
hormones from the anterior pituitary. Follicle-stimulating hormone
Answer: C) The placenta secretes both estrogen and and luteinizing hormoneare produced in large quantities, but as the
progesteronefrom the trophoblast cells. remaining follicles become atretic, production by the ovariesfalls to
51. Why is osteoporosis much more common in elderly women than zero.
in elderly men? 56. Before implantation, the blastocyst obtains its nutrition from the
A) Men continue to produce testosterone throughout their lifetime, uterine endometrial secretions.How does the blastocyst obtain
whereas women cease estrogen production after menopause nutrition during the first week after implantation?
B) Women consume less dietary calcium than men A) It continues to derive nutrition from endometrial secretions
C) Gastrointestinal absorption of calcium is more effective in men B) The cells of the blastocyst contain stored nutrients that are
than in women metabolized for nutritional support
D) The bones of women contain less calcium than those of men even C) The placenta provides nutrition derived from maternal blood
before menopause D) The trophoblast cells digest the nutrient-rich endometrial cells
and then absorb their contents for use by the blastocyst
Answer: A) Testosterone stimulates the cellular functions of bone
that lead to bone formation. Testosteronesecretion from the Answer: D) As the blastocyst implants, the trophoblast cells invade
interstitial cells declines with age, but it continues at sufficient levels the decidua, digesting and imbibing it.The stored nutrients in the
to stimulate boneformation throughout a man’s lifetime. decidual cells are used by the embryo for growth and development.
Conversely, estrogen production in women falls to zero During the1st week after implantation, this is the only means by
aftermenopause, leaving the bones without the stimulatory effect of which the embryo can obtain nutrients. The embryocontinues to
estrogen. As a result, osteoporosis iscommon in women after obtain at least some of its nutrition in this way for up to 8 weeks,
menopause. although the placenta beginsto provide nutrition after about the
53. During the latter stages of pregnancy, many women experience 16th day beyond fertilization (a little more than 1 week
an increase in body hair growth in a masculine pattern. What is the afterimplantation).
explanation for this? 57. A man who has been exposed to high levels of gamma radiation
A) The ovaries secrete some testosterone along with the large is sterile due to destruction of the germinal epithelium of the
amounts of estrogen produced late in pregnancy seminiferous tubules, although he has normal levels of testosterone.
B) The fetal ovaries and testes secrete androgenic steroids Which of the following would be found in this patient?
C) The maternal and fetal adrenal glands secrete large amounts of A) Normal secretory pattern of gonadotropin-releasing hormone
androgenic steroids that are used by the placenta to form estrogen B) Normal levels of inhibin
D) The placenta secretes large amounts of estrogen, some of which C) Suppressed levels of follicle-stimulating hormone
is metabolized to testosterone D) Absence of Leydig cells

Answer: C) Estrogen secreted by the placenta is not synthesized Answer: A) Gamma radiation destroys the cells undergoing the most
from basic substrates in the placenta.Instead, it is formed almost rapid rates of mitosis and meiosis, thegerminal epithelium of the
entirely from androgenic steroid compounds that are formed in both testes. The man described is said to have normal testosterone
themother’s and the fetus’s adrenal glands. These androgenic levels,suggesting that the secretory patterns of gonadotropin-
compounds are transported by the blood to theplacenta and releasing hormone and luteinizing hormone arenormal and that his
converted by the trophoblast cells to estrogen compounds. Their interstitial cells are functional. Because he is not producing sperm,
concentration in thematernal blood may also stimulate hair growth the levels ofinhibin secreted by the Sertoli cells would be maximally
on the body. suppressed, and his levels of follicle-stimulatinghormone would be
54. What is the cause of menopause? strongly elevated.
A) Reduced levels of gonadotropic hormones secreted from the Good luck!
anterior pituitary gland - Monerah Alsalouli
8. Spermatogenesis is regulated by a negative feedback control B) A medication that blocks the smooth muscle receptors for nitric B) The level of sympathetic stimulation to the arterioles supplying
system in which follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the oxide the corpora cavernosa decreases
steps in sperm cell formation. What is the negative feedback signal C) A medication that increases the release of nitric oxide C) Resistance of the arterioles supplying the corpora cavernosa
associated with sperm cell production that inhibits pituitary D) A testosterone-like androgen compound increases
formation of FSH? E) An inhibitor of beta-adrenergic nervous system receptors D) Formation of nitric oxide in the endothelial cells of the arterioles
A) Testosterone supplying the corpora cavernosa is stimulated by the increase in
B) Inhibin
Answer: E) Emission is elicited by reflexes mediated by the beta- parasympathetic nervous system activity
C) Estrogen
adrenergic nervous system. Beta adrenergicantagonists interfere E) Resistance of the venules draining the sinuses of the corpora
D) Luteinizing hormone
with the reflex. None of the other choices is involved. cavernosa increases
Answer: B) The Sertoli cells of the seminiferous tubules secrete 24. Why is milk produced only after delivery, not before?
inhibin at a rate proportional to the rate ofproduction of sperm cells. A) Levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone Answer: C) The only true choice is the increase in arteriolar
Inhibin has a direct inhibitory effect on anterior pituitary secretion of are too low during pregnancy to support milk production resistance in the vasculature supplying thecorpora (C). The others
FSH. FSH binds to specific receptors on the Sertoli cells, causing the B) High levels of progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy will tend to maintain erection (B, D, E). (A), reduction in arterial
cells to grow and secrete substances that stimulate sperm cell suppress milk production pressure, willhave a negligible effect.
production. The secretion of inhibin thereby provides the negative C) The alveolar cells of the breast do not reach maturity until after 34. Neonates that are kept in 100% oxygen incubators for several
feedback control signal from the seminiferous tubules to the delivery days become blind when they are removed from the incubator, a
pituitary gland. D) High levels of oxytocin are required for milk production to begin, condition referred to as retrolental fibroplasia. What is the
12. A professional athlete in her mid-20s has not had a menstrual and oxytocin is not secreted until the baby stimulates the nipple explanation for the loss of sight?
cycle for 5 years, although a bone density scan revealed normal A) The high concentration of oxygen stimulates the growth of fibrous
skeletal mineralization. Which of the following facts elicited during Answer: B) Although estrogen and progesterone are essential for tissue into the retina
the taking of her medical history may explain these observations? the physical development of the breastduring pregnancy, a specific B) The high concentration of oxygen causes rupture of blood vessels
A) She consumes a high-carbohydrate diet effect of both these hormones is to inhibit the actual secretion of in the retina, resulting infibrous infiltration of the vitreous humor
B) Her grandmother suffered a hip fracture at age 79 milk. Eventhough prolactin levels are increased 10-to 20-fold at the C) The high concentration of oxygen retards the growth of blood
C) Her blood pressure is greater than normal end of pregnancy, the suppressive effects ofestrogen and vessels in the retina, but when the oxygen therapy is stopped, the
D) Her plasma estrogen concentration is very low progesterone prevent milk production until after the baby is born. fall in oxygen concentration stimulates an overgrowth of blood
E) She has been taking anabolic steroid supplements for 5 years Immediately after birth, thesudden loss of both estrogen and vessels in the retina and vitreous humor, which later become
progesterone secretion from the placenta allows the lactogenic densely fibrous and block the light from the pupil
Answer: E) Anabolic steroids bind to testosterone receptors in the effect ofprolactin to promote milk production. D) The high concentration of oxygen destroys the retinal neurons
hypothalamus, providing feedbackinhibition of normal ovarian 27. A 30-year-old woman is breast-feeding her infant. During
cycling and preventing menstrual cycling, as well as stimulation of suckling, which of the following Answer: C) Too much oxygen in the incubator stops the growth of
osteoblastic activity in the bones. hormonal responses is expected? new blood vessels in the retina. Then whenoxygen therapy is
16. In order for male differentiation to occur during embryonic A) Increased secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from the stopped, an overgrowth of blood vessels occurs, with a great mass of
development, testosterone must be secreted from the testes. What supraoptic nuclei vessels growingall through the vitreous humor. Later the vessels are
stimulates the secretion of testosterone during embryonic B) Increased secretion of ADH from the paraventricular nuclei replaced by a mass of fibrous tissue, causingpermanent blindness.
development? C) Increased secretion of oxytocin from the paraventricular nuclei 37. Men who take large doses of testosterone-like androgenic
A) Luteinizing hormone from the maternal pituitary gland D) Decreased secretion of neurophysin steroids for long periods are sterile in the reproductive sense of the
B) Human chorionic gonadotropin E) Increased plasma levels of both oxytocin and ADH word. What is the explanation for this finding?
C) Inhibin from the corpus luteum A) High levels of androgens bind to testosterone receptors in the
D) Gonadotropin-releasing hormone from the embryo’s Answer: C) During suckling, stimulation of receptors on the nipples Sertoli cells, resulting in
hypothalamus increases neural input to both thesupraoptic and paraventricular A) overstimulation of inhibin formation
nuclei. Activation of these nuclei leads to the release of oxytocin B) Overstimulation of sperm cell production results in the formation
Answer: B) Human chorionic gonadotropin also binds to luteinizing andneurophysin from secretion granules in the posterior pituitary of defective sperm cells
hormone receptors on the interstitial cellsof the testes of the male gland. Suckling does not stimulate thesecretion of appreciable C) High levels of androgen compounds inhibit the secretion of
fetus, resulting in the production of testosterone in male fetuses up amounts of ADH. gonadotropin-releasing hormone by the hypothalamus, resulting in
to the time ofbirth. This small secretion of testosterone is what 30. Following ejaculation, arterial blood flow into the corpora the inhibition of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating
causes the fetus to develop male sex organs instead offemale sex cavernosa decreases back to the normal resting level resulting in the hormone release by the anterior pituitary
organs. flaccid state. What is the best explanation for this decrease in blood D) High levels of androgen compounds produce hypertrophic
20. A man is taking a number of medications, one of which appears flow? dysfunction of the prostate gland
to be interfering with the emission phase of the sexual act. Which of A) Systemic arterial pressure decreases due to absence of sexual
the following medications could cause this problem? stimulation Answer: C) Testosterone secreted by the testes in response to
A) A medication that prolongs the duration of action of nitric oxide luteinizing hormone (LH) inhibits hypothalamicsecretion of
gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), thereby inhibiting anterior Answer: C) Oxytocin is secreted from the posterior pituitary gland
pituitary secretion ofLH and follicle-stimulating hormone. Taking and carried in the blood to the breast,where it causes the cellsthat
large doses of testosterone-like steroids also suppresses surround the outer walls of the alveoli and ductile system to
thesecretion of GnRHand the pituitary gonadotropic hormones, contract.Contraction of these cells raises the hydrostatic pressure of
resulting in sterility. the milk in the ducts to 10 to 20 mm Hg.Consequently, milk flows
41. Two days before the onset of menstruation, secretions of follicle- from the nipple into the baby’s mouth.
stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) reach their 52. Which blood vessel in the fetus has the highest Po2?
lowest levels. What is the cause of this low level of secretion? A) Ductus arteriosus
A) The anterior pituitary gland becomes unresponsive to the B) Ductus venosus
stimulatory effect of gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) C) Ascending aorta
B) Estrogen from the developing follicles exerts a feedback inhibition D) Left atrium
on the hypothalamus
C) The rise in body temperature inhibits hypothalamic release of Answer: B) Blood returning from the placenta through the umbilical
GnRH vein passes through the ductus venosus.The blood coming from the
D) Secretion of estrogen, progesterone, and inhibin by the corpus placenta has the highestconcentration of oxygen found in the fetus.
luteum suppresses hypothalamic secretion of GnRH and pituitary 55. During the week following ovulation, the endometrium increases
secretion of FSH in thickness to 5 to 6 millimeters. What stimulates this increase in
thickness?
Answer: D) Estrogen and, to a lesser extent, progesterone secreted A) Luteinizing hormone
by the corpus luteum during the lutealphase have strong feedback B) Estrogen from the corpus luteum
effects on the anterior pituitary gland to maintain low secretory C) Progesterone from the corpus luteum
rates of bothFSH and LH. In addition, the corpus luteum secretes D) Follicle-stimulating hormone
inhibin, which inhibits the secretion of FSH.
45. Levels of transcortin are elevated in a pregnant woman. Which Answer: C) Progesterone secreted in large quantities from the
of the following laboratory findings would be expected in this corpus luteum causesmarked swelling andsecretory development of
patient? the endometrium.
A) Increased total (protein-bound plus free) plasma cortisol 4. A young woman is given daily injections of a substance beginning
concentration on the 16th day of her normal menstrual cycle and continuing for 3
B) Increased free (non–protein-bound) plasma cortisol concentration weeks. As long as the injections continue, she does not menstruate.
C) Decreased total plasma cortisol concentration The injected substance could be which of the following?
D) Decreased free plasma cortisol concentration A) Testosterone
E) Little or no change in total plasma cortisol concentration B) FSH
C) An inhibitor of progesterone’s actions
Answer: A) Cortisol is highly bound to plasma proteins, particularly D) A prostaglandin E2 inhibitor
transcortin. Increased plasma levels oftranscortin, such as occur E) HCG
during pregnancy, tend to decrease free cortisol concentration, but
feedbackresults in increased adrenocorticotropic hormone Answer: E) HCG has the same stimulatory effect as LH on the corpus
secretion, which stimulates cortisol secretion until freeplasma levels luteum. Administration of HCG wouldcause the corpus luteum to
of the steroid return to normal levels. Thus, in a steady state, total continue to secrete estrogen and progesterone, preventing
plasma cortisolconcentration (bound plus free) is elevated, but free degradation of the endometrium and onset of menstruation
cortisol concentration is normal.
48. In order for milk to flow from the nipple of the mother into the
mouth of the nursing infant, which of the following must occur?
A) Myoepithelial cells must relax
B) Prolactin levels must fall
C) Oxytocin secretion from the posterior pituitary must take place
D) The baby’s mouth must develop a strong negative pressure over
the nipple
E) All of the above