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Reproductive System Practice Questions

37 multiple-choice questions on Reproductive system for paramedic and EMT students, from Chapter 8 (Anatomy and Physiology). Read each question, pick your answer, then tap Show answer to check it and read the explanation.

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37 practice questions

  1. The male gonads that produce sperm and testosterone are the:

    1. A. Epididymis
    2. B. Testes
    3. C. Seminal vesicles
    4. D. Prostate
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Testes

    Testicular torsion is a time-sensitive emergency.

  2. The tube that carries sperm from the epididymis toward the urethra is the:

    1. A. Vas deferens
    2. B. Efferent ductules
    3. C. Seminal vesicle
    4. D. Seminiferous tubules
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Vas deferens

    The vas deferens runs through the spermatic cord. Seminiferous tubules produce sperm inside the testis, and efferent ductules carry it from the testis into the epididymis.

  3. Which gland surrounds the male urethra just below the bladder?

    1. A. Epididymis
    2. B. Seminal vesicle
    3. C. Prostate
    4. D. Bulbourethral gland
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Prostate

    An enlarged prostate can block urine flow and cause urinary retention.

  4. The ovaries produce:

    1. A. Oxytocin and prolactin
    2. B. FSH and LH
    3. C. Estrogen and progesterone
    4. D. Testosterone only
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Estrogen and progesterone

    FSH and LH come from the pituitary and control the ovaries.

  5. Fertilization normally occurs in the:

    1. A. Cervical canal
    2. B. Ovary
    3. C. Uterine cavity
    4. D. Fallopian tube
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Fallopian tube

    A pregnancy that implants in the fallopian tube is an ectopic pregnancy and can rupture.

  6. In a typical 28-day cycle, ovulation occurs around day:

    1. A. 14
    2. B. 28
    3. C. 1
    4. D. 21
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 14

    Ovulation is about midcycle. Menstruation starts on day 1.

  7. The lining of the uterus that is shed during menstruation is the:

    1. A. Endometrium
    2. B. Myometrium
    3. C. Cervix
    4. D. Perimetrium
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Endometrium

    The myometrium is the muscular layer that contracts during labor.

  8. Anabolic steroid (testosterone) misuse in a young man often causes testicular shrinkage because:

    1. A. Testosterone damages the scrotum and testes directly
    2. B. It blocks blood flow to the prostate and testes
    3. C. External testosterone suppresses his own production
    4. D. It increases sperm production until the testes tire
    Show answer

    Answer: C. External testosterone suppresses his own production

    The testes make sperm and testosterone under control of pituitary LH and FSH. External testosterone suppresses LH and FSH by negative feedback, so the testes shrink and sperm production falls. It does not directly damage the scrotum or block prostate blood flow, and sperm production decreases rather than increases.

  9. The scrotum keeps the testes:

    1. A. Warmer than body temperature
    2. B. At exactly core temperature
    3. C. Insulated from all heat loss
    4. D. Slightly cooler than core
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Slightly cooler than core

    Temperature regulation matters for fertility. Slightly cooler temperatures favor sperm production.

  10. The epididymis functions to:

    1. A. Produce testosterone
    2. B. Produce semen
    3. C. Store and mature sperm
    4. D. Produce sperm
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Store and mature sperm

    It sits atop each testis.

  11. Testicular torsion is an emergency because:

    1. A. It is painless and easily missed
    2. B. It ruptures the vas deferens
    3. C. It cuts off the testicular blood supply
    4. D. It quickly spreads infection to the blood
    Show answer

    Answer: C. It cuts off the testicular blood supply

    Sudden severe scrotal pain is the hallmark. The testis can be lost within hours.

  12. The prostate gland:

    1. A. Adds fluid to semen
    2. B. Stores urine before voiding
    3. C. Produces sperm cells
    4. D. Produces testosterone
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Adds fluid to semen

    Enlargement obstructs urine flow. It surrounds the urethra.

  13. The seminal vesicles contribute:

    1. A. Fructose-rich fluid
    2. B. Mature sperm cells
    3. C. Antibodies to protect sperm
    4. D. Testosterone
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Fructose-rich fluid

    Most semen volume comes from accessory glands. The fructose nourishes sperm.

  14. Testosterone is responsible for:

    1. A. Female secondary sex characteristics
    2. B. Sperm production but not body traits
    3. C. Male traits, muscle mass, and sperm
    4. D. Lowering red cell production
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Male traits, muscle mass, and sperm

    It is produced in the testes under LH stimulation. Testosterone stimulates red cell production, which is why men usually have higher hematocrits.

  15. The female reproductive organs include the:

    1. A. Uterus, bladder, and urethra
    2. B. Ovaries, tubes, uterus, and vagina
    3. C. Ovaries, uterus, and adrenal glands
    4. D. Ovaries, uterus, and urethra
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Ovaries, tubes, uterus, and vagina

    The ovaries are the female gonads. The female urethra belongs to the urinary system.

  16. A woman who had both ovaries removed before menopause most directly loses production of:

    1. A. Oxytocin and prolactin
    2. B. Estrogen and progesterone
    3. C. LH and FSH
    4. D. Human chorionic gonadotropin
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Estrogen and progesterone

    The ovaries produce eggs and the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, so removing them causes surgical menopause. Oxytocin and prolactin come from the pituitary. LH and FSH are pituitary hormones that typically rise after the ovaries are removed. Human chorionic gonadotropin is made by the placenta during pregnancy.

  17. The fallopian tubes function to:

    1. A. Produce estrogen and progesterone
    2. B. Store mature eggs until ovulation
    3. C. Carry the egg and host fertilization
    4. D. Support the growing fetus
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Carry the egg and host fertilization

    An ectopic pregnancy most often implants here.

  18. The uterus consists of the:

    1. A. Myometrium and the ovaries
    2. B. Endometrium, myometrium, and perimetrium
    3. C. Endometrium, cervix, and vagina
    4. D. Perimetrium and the placenta
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Endometrium, myometrium, and perimetrium

    The myometrium contracts during labor.

  19. During postpartum hemorrhage from uterine atony, which layer of the uterus must contract to clamp the bleeding vessels?

    1. A. Myometrium
    2. B. Endometrium
    3. C. Perimetrium
    4. D. Cervix
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Myometrium

    The myometrium is the thick smooth-muscle layer. Its fibers contract around the vessels at the placental site, which is why fundal massage and oxytocin stop atonic bleeding. The endometrium is the inner lining, the perimetrium is the outer serous layer, and the cervix is the lower neck of the uterus.

  20. The cervix is:

    1. A. The opening of the fallopian tube
    2. B. The lower, narrow part of the uterus
    3. C. The entire vaginal birth canal
    4. D. The upper, rounded part of the uterus
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The lower, narrow part of the uterus

    It dilates during labor. It opens into the vagina.

  21. Ovulation is triggered by a surge of:

    1. A. Luteinizing hormone
    2. B. Follicle-stimulating hormone
    3. C. Progesterone
    4. D. Human chorionic gonadotropin
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Luteinizing hormone

    It occurs about midcycle.

  22. The corpus luteum produces:

    1. A. Luteinizing hormone
    2. B. Follicle-stimulating hormone
    3. C. Progesterone
    4. D. Prolactin and oxytocin
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Progesterone

    It degenerates if pregnancy does not occur. Progesterone maintains the endometrium.

  23. Menstruation occurs when:

    1. A. Ovulation releases a mature egg
    2. B. LH surges at midcycle
    3. C. Hormone levels fall and lining sheds
    4. D. An egg is fertilized in the tube
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Hormone levels fall and lining sheds

    Day 1 of the cycle is the first day of bleeding.

  24. The average menstrual cycle is approximately:

    1. A. About 40 days
    2. B. About 28 days
    3. C. About 14 days
    4. D. About 7 days
    Show answer

    Answer: B. About 28 days

    Cycle length varies widely and can still be normal.

  25. Menopause is defined as:

    1. A. The permanent end of menstruation
    2. B. Any period of irregular cycles
    3. C. A temporary pause during pregnancy
    4. D. The first onset of menstruation
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The permanent end of menstruation

    Estrogen decline affects bone and cardiovascular health. It typically occurs in the late 40s to early 50s.

  26. Why can a tubal ectopic pregnancy rupture and cause hemorrhagic shock at 6 to 8 weeks?

    1. A. It implanted in the fallopian tube, which cannot expand
    2. B. It implanted in the uterine lining
    3. C. The placenta separated from the uterine wall
    4. D. The ovary twisted on its blood supply
    Show answer

    Answer: A. It implanted in the fallopian tube, which cannot expand

    Fertilization normally occurs in the fallopian tube, and the embryo implants in the uterus. If it implants in the tube, which is narrow and cannot stretch, it can rupture tubal vessels and cause massive intra-abdominal bleeding. Uterine implantation is normal. Abruption occurs later in pregnancy, and ovarian torsion is a different emergency.

  27. Implantation normally occurs in the:

    1. A. Ovarian surface
    2. B. Fallopian tube
    3. C. Uterine lining
    4. D. Cervical canal
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Uterine lining

    Implantation elsewhere is an ectopic pregnancy.

  28. The placenta functions to:

    1. A. Exchange gases, nutrients, and wastes
    2. B. Store maternal blood for delivery
    3. C. Allow maternal and fetal blood to mix freely
    4. D. Block maternal IgG antibodies
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Exchange gases, nutrients, and wastes

    It also acts as a barrier to some substances. It also produces hormones. Maternal and fetal blood stay in separate circulations, and maternal IgG does cross the placenta to protect the newborn.

  29. The umbilical cord contains:

    1. A. One artery and one vein
    2. B. Three veins
    3. C. Two arteries and one vein
    4. D. Two veins and one artery
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Two arteries and one vein

    The vein carries oxygenated blood to the fetus.

  30. Amniotic fluid functions to:

    1. A. Produce pregnancy hormones
    2. B. Carry oxygen to the fetus
    3. C. Supply all fetal nutrition
    4. D. Cushion and protect the fetus
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Cushion and protect the fetus

    Rupture of membranes releases it. It also allows movement and helps maintain temperature.

  31. Normal pregnancy lasts approximately:

    1. A. About 36 weeks
    2. B. About 30 weeks
    3. C. About 40 weeks
    4. D. About 50 weeks
    Show answer

    Answer: C. About 40 weeks

    Term is generally 37 to 42 weeks. It is counted from the last menstrual period.

  32. Maternal blood volume during pregnancy:

    1. A. Decreases by about 10 percent
    2. B. Remains essentially unchanged
    3. C. Increases by 40 to 50 percent
    4. D. Triples by the third trimester
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Increases by 40 to 50 percent

    This masks early signs of blood loss.

  33. Supine hypotensive syndrome in late pregnancy occurs when:

    1. A. Preeclampsia raises blood pressure
    2. B. The placenta separates from the wall
    3. C. The uterus presses on the diaphragm
    4. D. The uterus compresses the vena cava
    Show answer

    Answer: D. The uterus compresses the vena cava

    Position the patient on her left side. Venous return falls.

  34. Cardiac output during pregnancy:

    1. A. Stays essentially unchanged
    2. B. Falls to spare the heart
    3. C. Doubles by week 10
    4. D. Rises substantially
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Rises substantially

    Heart rate also increases.

  35. The fetus receives oxygen through:

    1. A. Amniotic fluid it swallows
    2. B. The placenta and umbilical vein
    3. C. Its own fluid-filled lungs
    4. D. The umbilical arteries
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The placenta and umbilical vein

    Fetal lungs are fluid-filled until birth.

  36. The mammary glands are stimulated to produce milk by:

    1. A. Oxytocin
    2. B. Estrogen
    3. C. Progesterone
    4. D. Prolactin
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Prolactin

    Both pituitary hormones participate. Oxytocin causes milk ejection.

  37. Which structure is shared between the urinary and reproductive systems in males?

    1. A. Ureter
    2. B. Bladder
    3. C. Urethra
    4. D. Kidney
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Urethra

    It carries both urine and semen, though not simultaneously.

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