Test: The Reproductive System - MCAT MCQ

Secondary sexual characteristics are features that emerge during puberty due to increased levels of sex hormones, distinguishing males from females and influencing physical appearance and reproductive capabilities.

The shedding of the uterine lining occurs when hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, decrease, signaling the start of the menstrual phase of the cycle.

The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta, facilitating the transfer of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the mother and the developing fetus.

Budding in hydra is a form of asexual reproduction where a new individual develops from a bud on the parent organism. This process allows for rapid population growth without the need for gametes.

The average gestation period in humans is approximately 280 days, which allows sufficient time for the embryo to develop into a fully formed fetus ready for birth.

Asexual reproduction is unique in that it can involve any part of the organism's body, allowing for simpler processes such as binary fission or budding. This method does not require gametes and results in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent.

The first step in fertilization is the release of the ovum from the ovary, which is crucial for the sperm to successfully meet and fertilize the egg, leading to the formation of a zygote.

After ovulation, progesterone is released by the corpus luteum and plays a vital role in preparing the uterus for the implantation of a fertilized egg, ensuring a suitable environment for early pregnancy.

Progesterone is primarily secreted by the corpus luteum after ovulation. It plays a significant role in preparing the uterine lining for the potential implantation of a fertilized embryo.

Oestrogen is responsible for stimulating the thickening of the uterine endometrium during the follicular phase, preparing it for a potential pregnancy.

The vas deferens is a duct that transports sperm from the epididymis and also serves as a storage site before ejaculation. This structure is essential for the male reproductive process.

Menarche signifies the onset of menstruation, typically occurring around age 13, marking the beginning of a female's reproductive phase. It is a key milestone in puberty.

After ovulation, the remnants of the Graafian follicle transform into the corpus luteum, which is crucial for hormone production, particularly progesterone, that supports early pregnancy.

Identical twins are formed when a single fertilized egg splits into two embryos, resulting in genetically identical siblings. In contrast, fraternal twins come from two different eggs fertilized by separate sperm.

The placenta plays a crucial role by providing oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus while also removing waste products like carbon dioxide and urea. It is vital for the health of both the mother and the fetus.

Implantation is the process where the developing embryo attaches itself to the endometrial lining of the uterus, which is essential for establishing a connection with the mother’s blood supply for further development.

The acrosome contains enzymes that help the sperm penetrate the outer membrane of the ovum, facilitating fertilization. This is a critical step in the reproductive process.

The ovulatory phase occurs around the 13th or 14th day of the menstrual cycle when the Graafian follicle ruptures, releasing a matured ovum. This is crucial for potential fertilization and subsequent pregnancy.

An embryo is referred to as a fetus after approximately 7 weeks of gestation when it begins to develop recognizable features of a baby. This stage marks significant development of organs and body systems.

Amniotic fluid acts as a protective cushion around the embryo, safeguarding it from physical shocks and injuries during development. This fluid also provides a stable environment for growth.