Human Reproduction Test - 37

During the mid of menstrual cycle, LH surge induces the rupture of Graafian follicle and releases the ovum (ovulation) and the remaining parts of the Graafian follicle transform as the corpus luteum, if fertilization occurs.

The male accessory glands include paired seminal vesicles, a prostate and paired bulbourethral glands. Secretions of these glands constitute the seminal plasma which is rich in fructose, calcium and certain enzymes. The secretions of bulbourethral glands also helps in the lubrication of the penis. In females, bartholin glands correspond to bulbourethral glands (Cowper's glands) of males as it secretes lubricants in female body.

Fertilization is the fusion of sperm and egg. Fertilization and the subsequent establishment of pregnancy together are referred to as conception. After ejaculation into the female reproductive tract, sperm remain alive and retain their ability to fertilize an ovum for an estimated 48 to 72 hours. The ovum remains fertile for 12 to 24 hours after ovulation. 

The reproductive cycle in the female primates is called menstrual cycle. The first menstruation begins at puberty and is called as menarche. In human females, menstruation is repeated at an interval of about 28/29 days, and the cycle of events starting from one menstruation till the next one is called as the menstrual cycle. In human beings, menstrual cycle ceases around 50 years of age; that is termed as menopause. 

The male urethra provides a common pathway for the flow of urine and semen, the combined secretions of the male reproductive organs. It is about 19 to 20 cm long and consists of three parts. The prostatic urethra originates at the urethral orifice of the bladder and passes through the prostate gland. The membranous urethra is the shortest and narrowest part and extends from the prostate gland to the bulb of the penis, after passing through the perineal membrane. The spongiose or penile urethra lies within the corpus spongiosum of the penis and terminates at the external urethral orifice in the glans penis. The penis has a root and a body. The root lies in the perineum and the body surrounds the urethra. It is formed by three cylindrical masses of erectile tissue and involuntary muscle. The erectile tissue is supported by fibrous tissue and covered with skin and has a rich blood supply. The two lateral columns are called the corpora cavernosa and the column between them, containing the urethra, is the corpus spongiosum. At its tip it is expanded into a triangular structure known as the glans penis. Just above the glans the skin is folded upon itself and forms a movable double layer, the foreskin or prepuce. The seminiferous tubules are a part of male testes. In each testis are 200 to 300 lobules and within each lobule are 1 to 4 convoluted loops composed of germinal epithelial cells, called seminiferous tubules.

Cumulus oophorus is a cluster of cells (called as cumulus cells), that surround the oocyte both in the Graafian follicle and after ovulation.  

A bulbourethral gland which is ,also known as Cowper gland are a pair of exocrine glands present in the male reproductive system. They are about the size of pea and located inferior to the prostate gland and lateral to the urethra in the urogenital diaphragm. The secretions produced by the Cowper's glands help to protect sperm as it passes through the urethra during ejaculation. Thus, the correct answer is option A.

Rete testis, vasa efferentia, epididymis and vas deferens are the accessory ducts in male reproductive system. The seminiferous tubules of the testis open into the vasa efferentia through rete testis that opens into vas deferens. So, the correct answer is option C.

The ovary is the ovum producing reproductive organ of the female reproductive system in vertebrates. Histologically this is made up of follicular cells, granulosa cells, gametes, germinal epithelium, ovarian cortex, corpus luteum, and ovarian medulla besides blood vessels and lymphatics. Ovarian follicles are the basic units of female reproductive system and develop for into primary, secondary and tertiary follicles. The primary follicles are the most in number which matures from 4- 5 million primordial follicles. Thus, the correct answer is option A.

A menstrual cycle is affected by LH, FSH and estrogen. The hormone LH causes the mature egg to be released from the ovary which is known as ovulation. FSH produced by the pituitary gland, in women control the menstrual cycle and helps in the production and maturation of an egg by the ovaries. As the follicle develops, it produces estrogen which causes the lining of the uterus to thicken.