HUMAN REPRODUCTION

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
Very Short Answer Type Questions/ MCQ
1- LH surge is responsible for-
a- Ovulation
b- Spermatogenesis
c- Oogenesis
d- Fertilization
Ans: a.
2- Spermiogenesis is
a- Transformation of spermatozoa into spermatids
b- Transformation of spermatids into spermatozoa
c- Both are incorrect
d- A is correct while b is incorrect
Ans: B
3- What is the role of polar bodies-
a- Maintain the number of chromosomes in the ootid
b- Prevent polyspermy
c- Release progesterone
d- All of these
Ans: a
4- Despite the presence of So many sperms in the vicinity of an egg cell, only one sperm enters the ovum. Why?
Ans: Because when sperm comes in contact with the ovum (Zona pellucida) & induces changes in the
membrane to block entry of other sperms
5- Define spermiogenesis. Where does it occur?
Ans: The transformation of non-motile spermatids into motile spermatozoa is called spermiogenesis. It occurs
inside the seminiferous tubules of the testes.
6- Name the cells which produce testosterone. What is the function of this hormone?
Ans: Interstitial cells (Leydig’s cells) of the testis secrete the testosterone hormone. Function. They control
secondary sexual characters.
7- The Spermatogonia cell has 46 chromosomes in human males. Give the number of chromosomes in (a)
Primary spermatocyte (b) Spermatid
Ans: (a) Primary spermatocyte – 46 (b) Spermatid- 23
8- How does colostrum provide initial protection against diseases in newborn infants? Give one reason.
Ans: Colostrum contains immunoglobin which provides immunity to the infants.
9- Name the embryonic stage which gets implanted in the uterine wall of a human female.
Ans: blastocyst stage
10- Name the hormone which causes strong uterine contraction during parturition. Does the parturition signal
originate from the mother or the fetus?
Ans: Hormone - is Oxytocin
The signal originates from the placenta and fully developed fetus.
11- Where are sperm stored in males?
Ans: Epididymis
Short Answer Type Questions

1- How is a primary oocyte different from a secondary oocyte?

Ans: The primary oocyte is a diploid cell (2n) whereas the secondary oocyte is a haploid cell (n). The primary
oocyte is formed when oogonia are at the prophase-I of the meiotic division in the foetal ovary whereas the
secondary oocyte is formed from the primary oocyte after meiosis-I – I division to produce ova in females
during the stage of puberty.
2- Name the muscular and glandular layers of the human uterus. Which one of these layers undergoes cyclic
changes during the menstrual cycle? Name the hormone essential for the maintenance of this layer.
Ans: Muscular layer – Myometrium
Glandular layer – Endometrium.
The endometrium undergoes cyclic changes during the menstrual cycle.
LH hormone maintains the lining of the uterus.
3- State the fate of the Trophoblast of a human blastocyst at the time of implantation and that of the inner
cell mass immediately after implantation.
Ans: The Trophoblast layer of the human blastocyst gets attached to the endometrium and the inner cell mass
gets differentiated into an embryo. After attachment, the uterine cells divide rapidly and cover the blastocyst.
As a result, the blastocyst becomes embedded in the endometrium of the uterus. It is termed Implantation.
4- Where are fimbriae present in the human female reproductive system? Give their function.
Ans: Fimbriae are fingerlike projections present at the end of the fallopian tubes.
Through fimbriae, eggs move from the ovaries to the uterus.
5- Name the muscular and glandular layers of the human uterus. Which one of these layers undergoes cyclic
changes during the menstrual cycle? Name the hormone essential for the maintenance of this layer.
Ans: Muscular layer – Myometrium, Glandular layer – Endometrium, Endometrium undergoes cyclic changes
during the menstrual cycle.
Progesterone hormone maintains the lining of the uterus.
6- What are the functions of the placenta other than its endocrine function?
Ans: The placenta helps in the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the embryo, the elimination of excretory
wastes and carbon dioxide produced by the embryo.
7- What is corpus luteum? How does it function as an endocrine gland?
Ans. During LH surge the Graafian follicle ruptures to release secondary oocyte. The remaining part of the
Graafian follicle forms the corpus luteum. Corpus luteum functions as endocrine glands as they secrete
progesterone.
8- Differentiate between Sertoli cells and Leydig cells concerning their location in the organ
and their function.
Ans: Sertoli cells are the nutritive cells present inside seminiferous tubules. They provide nourishment to the
male germ cells.
Leydig cells are present outside the seminiferous tubules in the interstitial spaces, they secrete androgens.
9- Draw a sectional view of the seminiferous tubules o humans females and label any four parts.
Ans: fig 3.4, page 47, NCERT
10- What are the various male accessory glands? Give their function.
Ans. The male accessory glands include paired seminal vesicles, a prostate gland and paired bulbourethral
glands.
These glands secrete seminal plasma rich in fructose, calcium and certain enzymes. Secretions of bulbourethral
glands help in the lubrication of the penis.

Long Answer Type Questions

1- Explain the organization of the mammary gland with the help of a diagram.
 Ans: Mammary gland occurs in pairs. It contains glandular tissues which are organized into 15-20 mammary
lobes in each breast. Mammary lobes possess alveolar cells. These cells secrete milk. The alveoli open into the
mammary tubules which combine to form the mammary duct. Mammary ducts join to form a mammary
ampulla that is connected to the lactiferous ducts. Through these structures, milk is sucked.
Fig- 3.4, page 46, NCERT
2- Explain the menstrual cycle in human females by giving a suitable diagram.
Ans: Menstrual cycle has three phases: menstrual, proliferative, and secretory.
a) Menstrual Phase (3-5 days)- During the endometrial lining of the uterus is ruptured and is released out from
the vagina along with blood vessels and mucus.
b) Proliferative or Follicular Phase about 11 days): in this phase ovarian follicle matures into a Graffian follicle.
The endometrial layer again proliferates. In this phase, ovulation occurs.
c) Secretory Phase 9about 12 days)- Corpus Luteum is formed from a ruptured Graffian follicle. The
endometrium grows and thickens further.
Fig-3.9, page 50, NCERT
3- Explain the changes that take place during maturation of a follicle top Graffian follicle in the ovary.
Ans: Oogonia (gamete mother cells) are formed within each fetal ovary. No more Oogonia are formed after
birth. Oogonia enter into the prophase-I stage of meiotic division and form primary oocytes.
The primary oocytes get surrounded by granulosa layers forming the primary follicle and then secondary
follicles. The secondary follicle is transformed into a tertiary follicle characterized by an antrum (a fluid-filled
cavity). The tertiary follicle matures into the Graafian follicle.
4- Give a schematic representation of spermatogenesis and oogenesis.
Ans: Fig 3.8, page 49, NCERT
5- Describe the hormonal control of the male reproductive system.
Ans:
i- Hypothalamus: It releases GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormones) which stimulate the pituitary
glands to secrete gonadotropins.
ii- LH and FSH
iii- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): It stimulates spermatogenesis in seminiferous tubules of the
testis.
iv- LH stimulates testosterone production from the interstitial cells of the testes.
v- Sertoli cells secrete androgen binding protein (ABP) which concentrates testosterone in the
seminiferous tubules.

CASE BASED QUESTION

CBQ 1 -Read the following and answer the questions given below:
Oogenesis is the process of formation of ovum in ovaries. It consists of three phases:
multiplication,growth and maturation. Oogenesis is controlled by hormones GnRH,LH,FSH. GnRH secreted
by the hypothalamus stimulates the anterior lobe of pituitary gland to secreteLH and FSH.
i. What is the function of hormone FSH?
a. It inhibits the formation of estrogen. b .It induces the release of secondary oocyte.
c. It stimulates the growth of Graafian follicle. d. causes ovulation.
Ans: c
ii. Which hormone induces the rupture of the mature Graffian follicle?
a. Follicle stimulating hormone b. Gonadotropin releasing hormone
c. Progesterone d. Luteinising hormone
Ans: d

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 iii. Identify the function(s) of LH.
a. Release of secondary oocyte from Graafian follicle. b. corpus luteum to secrete progesterone.
c. Stimulates estrogen formation. d. Promotes development of egg to form secondary oocyte
a. and b only b. b and c only c. c and d only d. b only
Ans: a
CBQ -2
Spermatogenesis is the production of sperms from male germ cells (spermatogonia) inside the testes
(seminiferous tubule). This process begin at puberty. Observe the following flow diagram and answer the
questions that follows-

(i) This happens during spermatogenesis

(a) Meiosis
(b) Mitosis
(c) Meiosis and mitosis
(d) None of these
Answer: (c)
(ii) The process of spermatogenesis is induced by
(a) TSH
(b) FSH
(c) MSH
(d Answer: (b)

(iii) The number of spermatozoa, a single primary spermatocyte finally produced in

spermatogenesis is
(a) 2
(b) 4
(c) 6
Answer: (b)
(iv) In spermatogenesis, the phases of maturation involve
(a) formation of spermatids from primary spermatocyte through meiosis
(b) growth of spermatogonia into primary spermatocytes
(c) formation of spermatogonia from gonocytes through mitosis
(d) formation of oogonia from spermatocyte through meiosis
Answer: (a)
(v) The correct sequence of cell stage in spermatogenesis is
(a) spermatocyte → spermatids → spermatogonia → spermatozoa
(b) spermatogonia → spermatids → spermatocyte → spermatozoa
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 (c) spermatocytes → spermatogonia → spermatid → spermatozoa
(d) spermatogonia → spermatocytes→ spermatids → spermatozoa
Answer: (d)
ASSERTION – REASON BASED QUESTIONS
Directions: In the following questions, statement of assertion is followed by a statement of reason.
Mark the correct choice as:
a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
c) If assertion is true but reason is false.
d) If both assertion and reason are false.
1. Assertion: A drop in temperature does not affect spermatogenesis.
Reason: During temperature drop the smooth muscles contract and bring the testes closer to the
pelvic cavity.
Ans: a)
2. Assertion: the regions outside the seminiferous tubule are called interstitial spaces which cantain
leydig cells.
Reason: Leydig cells synthesise and secrete testicular hormones called androgens.
Ans: b)
3. Assertion: Wall of seminiferous tubule is formed of double layered germinal epithelium.
Reason: Majority of cells of germinal epithelium are germ cells and some are sertoli cells.
Ans: d)
4. Assertion: Infundibulum is a funnel shaped part closer to ovary.
Reason: The edges of the infundibulum help in collection of ovum after ovulation.
Ans: b)
5. Assertion: The shape of the uterus is like an inverted pear.
Reason: The inner glandular layer that lines the uterine cavity is called as myometrium.
Ans: c)
6. Assertion: The endometrium undergoes cyclical changes during menstrual cycle.
Reason: The myometrium exhibits strong contraction during delivery of the baby.
Ans: b)
7. Assertion: The female external genital includes mons pubis, labia majora and labia minora.
Reason: The glandular tissue of each breast is divided into 5-10 mammary lobes.
Ans: c)
8. Assertion: The type B spermatogonia are called primary spermatocytes.
Reason: Primary spermatocytes complete the first meiotic division leading to secondary
spermatocytes.
Ans: b)
9. Assertion: The middle piece is called as power house of the sperm.
Reason: The numerous mitochondria coiling around axial filament produce energy for the movement
of the tail.
Ans: a)
10. Assertion: Human male ejaculates about 50-100 million sperms during a coitus.
Reason: Semen has an alkaline Ph to neutralise acidity of urethra.
Ans: d)
11. Assertion: All copulations do not lead to the fertilisation and pregnancy.
Reason: Fertilisation can occur only if the ovum and sperms are transported simultaneously to the
ampullary-isthmic junction.
Ans: a)
12. Assertion: The embryo with 8 to 16 blastomeres is called a morula.
Reason: The morula continues to divide and and transforms into trophoblast.
Ans: c)
13. Assertion: After implantation, finger like projections appear on the trophoblast called chorionic
villi.
Reason: Chorionic villi are surrounded by the uterine tissue and maternal blood.
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Ans: b)
14. Assertion: During pregnancy the levels of hormone like estrogens and progestogens are
increased.
Reason: The increased production of these hormones is essential for foetal growth.
Ans: b)
15. Assertion: Vigorous contraction of the uterus at the end of pregnancy causes expulsion.
Reason: The stimulatory reflex between the uterine contraction and oxytocin secretion results in
weakening contractions.
Ans: c)
16. Assertion: In human male, testes are extra abdominal and lie in scrotal sacs.
Reason: Scrotum acts as thermoregulator and keeps testicular temperature lower by 2°C for normal
spermatogenesis.
Ans: a)
17. Assertion: Testicular lobules are the compartments present in testes.
Reason: These lobules are involved in the process of fertilization.
Ans: d)
18. Assertion : Interstitial cell is present in the region outside the seminiferous tubule called
interstitial spaces.
Reason: Interstitial cells provide nutrition to the sertoli cells.
Ans: c)
19. Assertion: The testes are situated outside the abdominal cavity within the scrotum.
Reason: Muscles in scrotum helps to maintain low temperature of testes, necessary for
spermatogenesis.
Ans: a)
20. Assertion: The bulbourethral gland is a male accessory gland.
Reason: Its secretion helps in the lubrication of the penis, thereby facilitating reproduction.
Ans: a)
21. Assertion: Each seminiferous tubule is lined on its inside by three type of cells.
Reason: These cells are male germ cells, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells.
Ans: d)
22. Assertion: In human male, there are perianal glands near the anus.
Reason: Perianal glands secrete sex-attractant pheromone which initiates sexual desire in human.
Ans: d)
23. Assertion: Testes are located in the scrotum, outside the coelom.
Reason: A vaginal coelom partly surrounds the testes in the scrotum.
Ans: c)
24. Assertion: Fimbriae are finger-like projections of the infundibulum part of oviduct which is closest
to ovary.
Reason: They are important for collection of ovum after ovulation from ovary.
Ans: b)
25. Assertion: Finger-like projections appear on the trophoblast called chorionic villi after
implantation.
Reason: Chorionic villi are surrounded by the uterine tissue and maternal blood.
Ans: b)
26. Assertion: Infundibulum is a funnel shaped part closer to ovary.
Reason: The edges of infundibulum help in collection of the ovum after ovulation.
Ans: b)
27. Assertion: The female external genitalia include mons pubis, labia majora and labia minora.
Reason: The glandular tissue of each breast is divided into 5-10 mammary lobes.
Ans: c)
28. Assertion: Vagina acts as copulation canal and fertilization canal.
Reason: Both insemination and fusion of gametes occur in the vagina of female.
Ans: d)

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29. Assertion: In the testis, spermatogenesis occurs in the seminiferous tubules and testosterone
secretion takes place from the sertoli cells.
Reason: Testosterone brings growth and maturation of primary sex organs and also development of
accessory sex characters.
Ans: d)
30. Assertion: Spermatogenesis starts at the age of puberty.
Reason: There is a significant increase in level of gonadotropin releasing hormone at puberty.
Ans: a)

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