CMA Reproductive Anatomy & Physiology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which hormone is primarily responsible for triggering ovulation in the menstrual cycle?
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- Luteinizing hormone (LH) (Correct answer)
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Correct answer: Luteinizing hormone (LH)
A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary triggers ovulation around day 14 of a 28-day cycle.
Question 2: The fertilized egg typically implants in which layer of the uterus?
- Perimetrium
- Myometrium
- Endometrium (Correct answer)
- Cervix
Correct answer: Endometrium
The blastocyst implants into the endometrium (decidua) approximately 6–10 days after fertilization.
Question 3: Which structure connects the fetus to the placenta?
- Umbilical cord (Correct answer)
- Amniotic sac
- Chorion
- Decidua basalis
Correct answer: Umbilical cord
The umbilical cord contains two arteries and one vein that carry blood between the fetus and placenta.
Question 4: What is the primary function of the corpus luteum after ovulation?
- Produce estrogen only
- Produce progesterone to support early pregnancy (Correct answer)
- Stimulate FSH release
- Initiate uterine contractions
Correct answer: Produce progesterone to support early pregnancy
The corpus luteum secretes progesterone to maintain the endometrial lining until the placenta takes over at about 10 weeks.
Question 5: Which phase of the menstrual cycle is characterized by endometrial thickening under estrogen influence?
- Luteal phase
- Menstrual phase
- Proliferative phase (Correct answer)
- Secretory phase
Correct answer: Proliferative phase
The proliferative phase occurs after menstruation when rising estrogen causes the endometrium to thicken and regenerate.
Question 6: The placenta is fully functional and takes over hormone production from the corpus luteum at approximately which gestational week?
- 6 weeks
- 8 weeks
- 10 weeks (Correct answer)
- 14 weeks
Correct answer: 10 weeks
The luteal-placental shift occurs around 10 weeks of gestation when the placenta assumes progesterone production.
CMA Reproductive Anatomy & Physiology 1
Which hormone is primarily responsible for triggering ovulation in the menstrual cycle?