Question 1

The most reliable indicator that a woman has to determine when she is ovulating is

Accepted Answer

The most reliable indicator that a woman has to determine when she is ovulating is a sharp rise in temperature. This rise in temperature indicates that ovulation has already occurred, and the woman is in her luteal phase. By tracking her basal body temperature consistently, a woman can determine when her temperature rises, indicating ovulation.

Question 2

On the average,sperm can live up to how long inside the woman's body?

Accepted Answer

Sperm can survive inside a woman's body for up to 5 days. This means that pregnancy can occur if intercourse takes place up to 5 days before ovulation (when the egg is released from the ovary). Therefore, couples trying to conceive are advised to have sex before and during ovulation to increase their chances of success.

Question 3

Once fertilization takes place,the embryo develops rapidly in which order?

Accepted Answer

The embryo develops in a cephalocaudal pattern, meaning the head develops first followed by the lower body.

Question 4

A heterosexual couple want to conceive.What suggestions would you give them to help ensure fertilization of the egg?

Accepted Answer

The most effective way to conceive is by having sexual intercourse every other day around the time of ovulation. The missionary position allows for deep penetration which helps the sperm to reach the cervix and lead to fertilization. Douche should not be used as it can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and increase the risk of infection. Daily intercourse may decrease sperm count, and lubricants can affect sperm motility, so it is recommended to avoid using them.

Question 5

Which of the following cell layers differentiates into the nervous system and the skin?

Accepted Answer

The ectoderm is the outermost layer of cells in the early embryo and it differentiates into various tissues including the nervous system and the skin. The mesoderm gives rise to tissues such as muscle, bone, and the circulatory system. The endoderm forms the lining of the digestive tract and organs such as the liver and pancreas. The intestinal duct is not a cell layer involved in embryonic development.

Question 6

What will the groups of cells called the trophoblast eventually become?

Accepted Answer

The trophoblast will eventually become the placenta, which provides nutrients and oxygen to the developing fetus. The umbilical cord is formed from a different layer of cells, and the villi are projections from the placenta that facilitate nutrient exchange. The endoderm is another layer of cells that forms the lining of certain organs in the developing embryo.

Question 7

Which of the following BEST describes the relationship between the zona pellucida and hyaluronidase?

Accepted Answer

The zona pellucida is a thick glycoprotein layer that surrounds the ova and must be dissolved by the hyaluronidase enzyme produced by the sperm in order to allow the sperm to penetrate the egg. This is a critical step in fertilization.

Question 8

Acrosome material is contained in the __________ of the sperm.Mitochondria are contained in the _________ of the sperm.

Accepted Answer

The acrosome material, which contains enzymes needed for fertilization, is located in the head of the sperm. The mitochondria, which provide energy for the sperm, are located in the midpiece.

Question 9

Which of the following cell layers differentiates into the muscles,skeleton,and reproductive systems?

Accepted Answer

The mesoderm is the cell layer that differentiates into the muscles, skeleton, and reproductive systems. The ectoderm differentiates into the skin and nervous system, while the endoderm differentiates into the digestive and respiratory systems. The intestinal duct is not a cell layer involved in differentiation.

Question 10

Considering the life span of the average sperm and how long the egg is capable of being fertilized,the optimum time for sexual intercourse in order for the egg to be fertilized would be

Accepted Answer

The optimum time for sexual intercourse in order for the egg to be fertilized is one to two days before ovulation. This is because sperm can live in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, but the egg is only capable of being fertilized for about 24 hours after ovulation. Therefore, having sex one to two days before ovulation increases the likelihood that there will be viable sperm waiting for the egg to be released.

Question 11

The energy for the sperm to help make its way to the egg is found in what part of the sperm?

Accepted Answer

The midpiece of the sperm contains the mitochondria which provides the energy for the movement of the tail to propel the sperm towards the egg.

Question 12

In conception,it is necessary for one sperm to enter the egg.In order for the sperm to do so,what needs to be dissolved?

Accepted Answer

The zona pellucida is a layer surrounding the egg cell that needs to be dissolved by enzymes released from the acrosome of the sperm in order for the sperm to penetrate and fertilize the egg.

Question 13

The egg moves along the fallopian tube

Accepted Answer

The egg moves along the fallopian tube through the action of cilia lining the fallopian tube. The cilia create a wave-like motion that helps to move the egg towards the uterus.

Question 14

Hyaluronidase is

Accepted Answer

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme secreted by sperm that helps them penetrate the protective layer surrounding the egg.

Question 15

The lashing action that moves the sperm forward is referred to as

Accepted Answer

The correct term for the sperm's lashing action is flagellation.

Question 16

Fertilization occurs in the

Accepted Answer

Fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tube, where the egg and sperm meet and combine to form a zygote.

Question 17

Once an egg is fertilized,it goes through three stages of development.The changes in each stage are accompanied by a different term used to refer to the developing conceptus.In order (first to last),these are:

Accepted Answer

The correct sequence of development stages is zygote, embryo, and then fetus. Therefore, the correct sequence of terms used to refer to the developing conceptus is zygote, embryo, and fetus, making option D the correct answer.

Question 18

Of the original sperm released by the male into the vagina,about how many reach the tube containing the egg?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 2,000 sperm reach the fallopian tube where the egg is located, out of the millions initially released.

Question 19

Which of the following cell layers differentiates into the digestive organs?

Accepted Answer

Endoderm differentiates into the digestive organs such as the stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas.

Question 20

Sperm may arrive at the egg as soon as __________ after ejaculation.

Accepted Answer

Sperm can reach the egg within 1½ hours of ejaculation.

Quiz 6: Conception, Pregnancy, and Childbirth