Male & Female Reproductive Practice Histology/Embryology Questions
Questions covering Dr. Cristman’s Lectures over Reproductive Histo/Embryo.
*** I take no responsibility as to the accuracy of this. Further, this is by no means comprehensive.***
CHOOSE THE BEST ANSWER
1. As a pathologist, you are looking at a normal tissue (because you have the kind of time). The
gross structure has a lumen, and on the luminal surface has stratified squamous epithelium
(non-keratinized). You cannot find any glands in the lamina propria, though it has a highly
vascular submucosa. You cannot discern any pattern to the muscularis – that is to say, it is not
layered. There is an adventitia, not a serosa. Finally the tissue looks the same through the length
of the slide (i.e. you are not looking at a junction…) Most likely, you are looking at:
a. Cervix
b. Vagina
c. Esophagus
d. Vas Deferens
e. Anal canal
2. Which of the following is TRUE?
a. The hilum of the ovary is strictly avascular
b. The Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is completely unnecessary for follicular
development
c. Ovulation is caused by FSH
d. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone
e. None of the above are true.
3. Which of the following is TRUE?
a. The cumulus oophorus surrounds the theca externa
b. a diagnostic feature of the Graafian follicle (mature follicle) is that it has a single layer of
cuboidal cells surrounding it and no antrum
c. The theca externa can secrete steroids
d. Fluid within the antrum of a secondary follicle comes from granulosa cells
e. Follicular liquor makes a nice drink when mixed with 2 parts sherry and 1 part gin; this
is called “The Crissman”
4. Which of the following is NOT true of FSH?
a. It controls the growth and development of primordial follicular cells into primary
follicles
b. It controls the growth of secondary follicles
c. It’s release is inhibited by estrogen
d. It stimulates sertoli cells to produce Androgen-Binding Protein (ABP)
e. All of the above are true.
5. What cell in the ovary secretes androgens?
a. primordial follicle
b. theca interna (luteal) cells
c. follicular cells
d. granulosa cells
e. corpus albicans
Questions 6 & 7 require the following diagram
6. Assume that Day 1 of the cycle is the left-most point; assume day 28 of the cycle is the rightmost point. Of the timepoints indicated (A-D), which is most likely to be the point in the cycle
where ovulation occurs?
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
e. None of the indicated timepoints indicate the approximately time of ovulation
7. Assume that Day 1 of the cycle is the left-most point; assume day 28 of the cycle is the rightmost point. Timepoint B:
a. Is the timepoint of ovulation
b. Is during the luteal phase of the cycle
c. indicates a point in which the corpus luteum is forming
d. indicates a point in which menstruation is occurring
e. Indicates a point in which the endometrium has both a functionalis layer and a basalis
layer
8. The corpus albicans:
a. secretes progesterone
b. is a scar of the ovary
c. was once a Graafian follicle
d. A & B
e. B & C
9. The fallopian tubes are held in place by:
a. the mesovarium
b. the mesosalpinx
c. the mesometrium
d. the epoöphoron
e. none of the above.
10. Which of the following is a TRUE statement?
a. the ampulla of the fallopian tube is where fertilization usually occurs
b. the uterine tube participates in urination
c. the uterine tube has no cilia
d. fimbriae extend from the isthmus of the oviduct
e. None of the above are true.
11. Which of the following structures (I-IV) have simple columnar epithelium in the mucosal layer?
I.
Vagina
II.
Oviduct
III.
ureter
IV.
Ductus epididymus
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
I, II & III only
I & IV only
All of them (I, II, III & IV)
II only
II & IV only
Questions 12 & 13 require the following image:
(A): Inset - 10X magnification
(B) Close up on lumenal mucosa of Organ (A)
12. The organ/component depicted in the above image is most likely (of the choices below):
a. Oviduct
b. vas deferens
c. efferent ductules
d. ureter
e. cervix
13. The epithelium of this organ/tissue can also be found on the lumenal surface of:
a. Vagina
b. Bladder
c. ductus epididymus
d. esophagus
e. ileum
14. Histology of the vagina is characterized by:
a. Only skeletal muscle; no smooth muscle present
b. Only two layers: mucosa & muscularis
c. simple columnar epithelium
d. distinct layers of muscle in the muscularis
e. no glands.
15. The mammary gland:
a. Is an exocrine gland
b. Works in response to prolactin; oxytocin
c. has two modes of secretion
d. A & B
e. A & B & C
16. Active mammary gland looks like thyroid gland. We can distinguish by:
a. thyroid is generally blue; mammary is almost always stained pink
b. thyroid will not contain milk, which is always visible on mammary gland sections
c. thyroid has connective tissue; mammary gland has no connective tissue
d. mammary gland has ducts; thyroid has no ducts
e. They are histologically indistinguishable.
17. Which of the following is a correct list of structures/layers of testicle in order from superficial to
deep?
a. scrotal skin, visceral tunica vaginalis, parietal tunica vaginalis, tunica albuginea, lobules
containing semineferous tubules
b. scrotal skin, tunica albuginea, visceral tunica vaginalis, parietal tunica vaginalis, lobules
containing semineferous tubules
c. scrotal skin, visceral tunica vaginalis, parietal tunica vaginalis, lobules containing
semineferous tubules, tunica albuginea
d. scrotal skin, parietal tunica vaginalis, visceral tunica vaginalis, tunica albuginea, lobules
containing semineferous tubules
e. scrotal skin, parietal tunica vaginalis, visceral tunica vaginalis, subcutaneous fat, tunica
albuginea, lobules containing semineferous tubules
18. The leydig cell:
a. works by merocrine secretion
b. secretes testosterone
c. is not in within semineferous tubule
d. responds to LH
e. All of the above.
19. A spermatid:
a. Is located near the basal lamina of the sertoli cell
b. has a diploid number of chromosomes
c. is the most primitive germ cell
d. is derived from a secondary spermatocyte
e. none of the above are true of spermatids
20. Spermiogenesis refers to:
a. The complete development of the ovum
b. The complete development of the testis
c. The complete development/differentiation of sertoli cells
d. The complete development of spermatozoa
e. None of the above.
21. Which of the following is produced by sertoli cells?
a. testosterone
b. inhibin
c. androgen-binding protein
d. B & C
e. A, B & C
22. What is the function of androgen-binding protein?
a. It binds estrogen in uterine tube during fertilization
b. It raises testosterone levels by binding testosterone
c. It binds progesterone to release LH
d. It binds inhibin to allow for spermiogenesis to proceed
e. A & C
23. The direct role of Leutenizing hormone (LH) in the testicle is:
a. to stimulate sertoli cells to produce ABP
b. to bind progesterone to allow for spermiogenesis to procee
c. to stimulate leydig cells to secrete testosterone
d. to counteract ABP
e. None of the above.
24. Inhibin:
a. allows for sertoli cells to decrease in size
b. is produced by sertoli cells
c. inhibits LH production
d. inhibits FSH production
e. B & D
25. The ductus epidiymus:
a. has pseudostratefied columnar epithelium
b. has no smooth muscle
c. only stores sperm; has no other known functions
d. is indistinguishable histologically from ductus deferens
e. has no role in sperm development/spermiogenesis
26. Select the true statement:
a. The prostate does not directly contribute to semen
b. Cowper’s glands are located in the deep pouch of the perineum
c. Seminal vesicles are testosterone dependent
d. the prostate is not capsulated
e. B & C are both true
27. The glands of Littre
a. Are found just above the prostate glands
b. contribute to semen by secreting fluid into the epididymus
c. have no known function
d. are mucus-secreting glands along the penile urethra
e. lubricate the Efferent ductules
Questions 28-30 Require the image below:
28. Box A is sitting in structure that will drain into:
a. epididymus
b. ductuli efferentes
c. straight tubules (tubuli recti)
d. tunica albuginea
e. ductus deferens
29. The arrow from Box B is pointing to
a. a cell involved in secreting FSH
b. a cell which is involved in sodium/potassium exchange for the ductus deferens
c. a cell which secretes testosterone
d. a cell that serves as a physical barrier for blood entering the semineferous tubule
e. a cell that secretes LH
30. The arrow from Box C is pointing to cells that
a. are undergoing spermiogenesis
b. are undergoing spermatogenesis
c. A & B
d. neither A nor B
31. Unlike the urinary system which begins developing at week ____, the genital system beings
development at week _____.
a. 3; 4
b. 4; 5
c. 5; 6
d. 8; 7
e. 5; 3
32. Which of the following does NOT contribute to gonad formation?
a. Mesothelium
b. mesenchyme
c. ectoderm
d. primordial germ cells (from endoderm lining of yolk sac)
e. All of the above do contribute to gonad formation.
33. The indifferent gonad formation period:
a. lasts approximately 2 weeks
b. has 5 major steps that occur during it
c. characterizes a period in which the phenotypic sex of a gamete cannot be determined
d. B & C
e. A, B & C
34. Efferent Ductules are formed from:
a. mesonephric tubules against meshwork of gonadal cords
b. Outer portion of gonadal cords
c. Inner portion of gonadal cords
d. Mesenchyme
e. None of the above.
35. Meiosis-inhibiting factor (in the male) is secreted by _________ and functions to ______.
a. fetal sertoli cells; cause involution of female ducts
b. fetal Leydig cells; cause involution of female ducts
c. fetal sertoli cells; slow proliferation of primordial germ cells
d. fetal fibroblasts; cause involution of female ducts
e. A & C are both correct.
36. The gonadal cords in both sexes forms from:
a. parietal ectoderm of primitive perineum
b. coelomic mesothelium
c. dorsal mesentery
d. hindgut endoderm
e. hindgut mesentery
37. Which of the following is true of cortical cords in ovary formation?
a. They are the second set of cords to form
b. They contain oogonia which are beginning to proliferate
c. They develop from the coelomic mesothelium
d. A & B
e. A, B & C
38. Mullerian-inhibiting substance in the male:
a. Is secreted by fetal leydig cells
b. Induces parmesonephric ducts to degenerate
c. A & B
d. Neither A nor B
39. A remnant of the paramesonephric duct in the male is:
a. paradidymis
b. appendix of the epididymis
c. glands of littre
d. prostatic utricle
e. bladder
40. The caudal ends of the Mullerian ducts (on left and right) in the female, fuse together to form:
uterovaginal primordium. This will form:
a. Cervix
b. Ovarian Tube
c. Ovaries
d. B & C
e. A, B & C
41. If only a single Mullerian duct were to form, only a partial uterus, single oviduct and partial
vagina would form. This is known as:
a. Septate uterus
b. double uterus
c. bicornulate uterus
d. unicornulate uterus
e. None of the above.
42. A remnant of the paramesonephric duct in the female is:
a. epoophron
b. paraoophoron
c. Appendix Vesiculosa (ovary)
d. Median peritoneal fold
e. Hydatid (of Morgagni)
43. Oviducts are derived from:
a. Mesonephric ducts
b. caudal midgut
c. superior portion of paramesonephric ducts
d. Inferior portion of paramesonephric ducts
e. endoderm of UG sinus
44. Which of the following does not contribute external genitalia formation?
a. Genital eminence
b. mesonephric ducts
c. urogenital folds
d. labialscrotal swellings
e. All of the above contribute to external genitalia formation.
45. Which of the following is NOT TRUE?
a. The corpora spongiosa develops from mesenchyme of the phallus
b. Testosterone directs/influences the formation of male external genitalia
c. Endoderm of the urethral plate creates the urethral seam, which canalizes to form the
penile urethra
d. All of the above are TRUE.
e. A, B & D are all NOT TRUE
46. What develops from the Labialscrotal swellings?
a. Mons Pubis
b. Scrotum
c. Clitoris
d. B & C
e. A & B
47. What is Cryptorchidism?
a. Fluid-filled dilation of the process vaginalis
b. Failure of the testes to desced into the scrotum
c. An external opening into the urethral orifice between the penis and scrotum
d. Disorganization of the epididymus, reversing the head and tail
e. None of the above.
48. Which of the following in FALSE of Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome?
a. It is also known as Testicular Feminization Syndrome
b. Up to 50% of those affected will develop malignant tumors in the testis before in their
50’s.
c. The male is genetically 46/XY, but has female external genitalia
d. Menstruation is common, but rarely occurs after age 20.
e. The uterus is usually missing, or is rudimentary is present at all.
49. True hermaphrodites:
a. Have Barr Bodies
b. Have both ovarian and testicular tissue
c. Is fairly common
d. B & C
e. A & B
50. Testis-Determining Factor production is regulated by
a. SRY gene
b. Sox-9
c. Dax-1
d. LIF
e. Oct-4
51. Testis-Determining Factor functions to inhibit ________ in order for testis to be formed
a. SRY gene
b. Sox-9
c. Dax-1
d. LIF
e. Oct-4
-----------ANSWERS FOLLOW-----------
ANSWERS
**Numbers parenthetically (#) indicate page of notes that correlate to correct responses. For
some questions, an explanation is given.
1. B (202) – The description is one of vaginal wall. Stratified squamous is only found on external
orifices & skin…esophagus, vagina and external anal canal all have stratified squamous
epithelium. Because there are no glands in the lamina, we can eliminate esophagus (and
because esophagus has patterned muscularis). Finally, the external anal column is very small,
and tends to be keratinized, as it does sit next to the anus/integument.
2. D (187) – Hilum is highly vascular (186); Ovulation is caused by LH surge (187); FSH is necessary
(187)
3. D (189) – you must admit, Choice E was pretty funny.
4. A (188) – FSH does not control the primordial follicle to primary follicle transition; this is
controlled by activin
5. B (189)
6. C (197,198, 205) – I apologize for the fact that the days aren’t marked on the diagram – in
reality, the far left is probably more like “day 27”, as degeneration of the endometrium is still
occurring. HOWEVER, the LH surge at Choice C should clearly give this away as the time of
ovulation.
7. E (196-198; 205) – Again, apologies for discrepancy in the figure. Still, I chose a place that was
clearly during the proliferative phase (not luteal phase); so in the ovary, the egg is developing
(not the corpus luteum; this can’t occur until after ovulation). During development, (particularly
at the point I chose), there are 2 layers to the endometrium. During menstruation, the
functionalis is sloughed off.
8. E (191; figure on 187) – corpus luteum secretes progesterone; not albicans
9. B (192)
10. A (193) – fibriae extend from the infundibulum
11. D (194) – Vagina has strat. squam NK; Ureter has transitional (Crissman – 162); Ductus
epididymus has pseudostratified epi (252)
12. D (162) – Yes, I’m a jerk. This was ureter – the key was to look at the epithelium. The scallopedshaped epithelium is classic transitional epithelium. Of the choices listed, ureter was the only
one that has transitional epithelium. Cervix and oviduct both have simple columnar; Vas
Deferens has pseudostratified columnar & Efferent ductules have a unique columnar/cuboidal
epithelium. The stellate lumen is also a clue.
13. B (163) – esophagus and vagina is stratified squamous NK; Ductus epididymus is
pseudostratefied squamous; ileum has intestinal crypts with simple columnar epi.
14. E (202)
15. E (203-204)
16. D (204)
17. D (244-245) – also present in Lane Lectures
18. E (246)
19. D (247)
20. E (247) – Spermiogenesis should not be confused with spermatogenesis
21. D (249) – inhibin is the feedback for FSH; ABP increases levels of testosterone, which is
produced by Leydig cells
22. B (249-250)
23. C (250)
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
E (249)
A (252-253)
E (256, Dr. Morse Lectures) – Cowper’s sit posterolateral to the penile urethra
D (260)
C (245) – this box is in the center of semineferous tubule; these drain into tubuli recti and
eventually into ductule efferentes
C (250) – this is pointing to a Leydig cell (as best as I can make it out to be, at least). This secretes
testosterone, and responds to LH. the blood-testis barrier is within the sertoli cell gap-junctions,
and Na/K exchange for the ductus deferens would be maintained by cells in that structure.
C (247) – the arrow points to spermatids/immature spermatozoa; spermiogenesis refers to the
transition from spermatid to mature spermatozoa; spermatogenesis refers to the entire process
from spermatogonia to mature spermatozoan.
B (264)
C (265) – though it might contribute to scrotal skin, it does not contribute to ovary/testical
formation
E (266) – These three things define the Indifferent period
A (268)
C (269)
B (266)
E (269)
B (269)
D (274)
A (275, 277) – The cervix (being part of the uterus) is formed from the uterovaginal primordium
(with the vagina). The oviduct is formed from the paramesonephric (mullerian) ducts. The
ovaries develop from the coelomic mesothelium.
D (278) – this is the definition of unicornulate uterus
E (279)
C (275)
B (280) – the mesonephric ducts create the duct-system in males, but does not directly
contribute to the external genitalia
D (281, 282)
E (282, 284) – the clitoris is formed from the primordial phallus
B (288)
D (290)
E (289)
A (268)
C (268)