CHAPTER 30 Test Your Knowledge

DRIVING QUESTION 1

What is the anatomy of the male and female reproductive tracts?

By answering the questions below and studying Infographics 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, and 30.7, you should be able to generate an answer for the broader Driving Question above.

KNOW IT

Sperm develop in a. the epididymis.

b. the vas deferens.

c. the seminiferous tubules.

d. the urethra.

e. the penis.

Why can untreated pelvic inflammatory disease lead to infertility?
a. because it prevents ovulation

b. because it scars and blocks the oviducts

c. because it scars and blocks the cervix

d. because it interferes with estrogen production by the ovaries

e. because it interferes with FSH and LH production by the anterior pituitary gland

Describe the relationship between the uterus and the cervix, and between the uterus and the endometrium.

USE IT

List the structures that sperm must pass through to reach and fertilize an egg. Begin with the seminiferous tubules.

A woman can become pregnant if she has intercourse 5 days before ovulating or on the day she ovulates. What does this suggest about sperm and egg?
a. Sperm can survive for up to 6 days in the female reproductive tract.

b. Fertilization can occur in the ovary.

c. Human eggs cannot survive for very long after ovulation.

d. all of the above

e. a and c

A friend tells you that her boyfriend has been diagnosed with gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection. She isn’t worried for herself because she doesn’t have any symptoms of infection. What can you tell her about the invisible risks of an untreated sexually transmitted bacterial infection?

DRIVING QUESTION 2

What hormones are involved in reproduction, and how do they work?

By answering the questions below and studying Infographics 30.5 and 30.6, you should be able to generate an answer for the broader Driving Question above.

KNOW IT

What is the source—testes, ovaries, anterior pituitary gland, or embryo—of each of the following hormones?
Luteinizing hormone (LH) ______
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ______
Testosterone ______
Estrogen ______
Progesterone ______
hCG ______

The hormone hCG is an indicator of pregnancy; it also
a. signals the corpus luteum to keep producing progesterone.

b. triggers ovulation.

c. acts on the anterior pituitary gland, causing it to release a surge of LH.

d. acts on the endometrium, causing it to thicken.

e. attracts sperm.

USE IT

Which of the following would most directly cause reduced levels of estrogen production?
a. an anterior pituitary tumor that increases secretion of LH

b. an increase in hypothalamus hormones that target the anterior pituitary

c. an anterior pituitary tumor that increases secretion of FSH

d. a decrease in hypothalamus hormones that target the anterior pituitary

e. anterior pituitary damage that prevents synthesis and release of FSH

In an episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, a blood sample from a crime scene was found to have extremely low levels of FSH and LH. From this information, detectives determined that the blood came from a prepubescent girl, not a woman of reproductive age. Explain how they reached this conclusion.

As discussed in this chapter, oral contraceptives (such as the combination birth control pill, which contains both estrogen and progesterone) are designed to block ovulation in women. As males do not ovulate, a male hormonal contraceptive would have to target sperm development. Which hormone would have to be blocked to prevent sperm development in males? What would be a likely undesired consequence of this type of male contraception?

INTERPRETING DATA

Emergency contraception works by delaying or preventing ovulation. To be effective, it must be taken before LH levels start to rise.
a. Will emergency contraception be effective in preventing a pregnancy after unprotected intercourse on the day that a woman ovulates?

b. Different forms of emergency contraception have different efficacy rates, expressed as the percent reduction in the number of pregnancies that would have otherwise occurred. For example, if 80 women out of 1,000 become pregnant after unprotected intercourse, and an emergency contraceptive is 75% effective, then one would expect the use of the emergency contraceptive to reduce the number of pregnancies by 75% of 80 pregnancies, to 20 pregnancies. Predict the number of pregnancies with each of the following emergency contraceptives (based on 80 of 1,000 pregnancies as a baseline): the pill marketed as Plan B (progestin—a synthetic progesterone—only), 89% effective; combined progestin and estrogen, 74% effective.

DRIVING QUESTION 3

What are the different types of assisted reproduction, and how do they work?

By answering the questions below and studying Infographics 30.4, 30.8, and 30.9, you should be able to generate an answer for the broader Driving Question above.

KNOW IT

Which of the following could interfere with ovulation?
a. blocked oviducts

b. chronically low levels of LH

c. excessive production of cervical mucus that blocks the cervix

d. presence of sperm in the oviduct

e. low levels of hCG

Compare and contrast in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI).

USE IT

Assume that there is an array of diagnostic methods available to you, including blood tests to determine hormone levels and ultrasound to visualize internal structures. What results might confirm each of the following infertility-associated conditions? Be specific.
a. a blocked epididymis

b. polycystic ovary syndrome

c. menopause

d. oviduct scarring

Why does IUI have a higher risk of multiple births than IVF?

MINI CASE

A young couple has been trying to have a baby for over a year, but so far they have not had any luck. Analysis of the man’s semen reveals a normal sperm count and no evidence of high rates of abnormal sperm. A physical exam and ultrasound revealed blockages in both of the woman’s oviducts (fallopian tubes). From this information, describe two forms of fertility treatments (including assisted reproduction) that the couple could consider, and two that would not be helpful. For each, describe what is involved in the treatment, and why it would or would not be a helpful strategy for this couple.

BRING IT HOME

From the perspective of a fertility specialist, how would you respond to a congressional representative about a proposed increased regulation of fertility clinics? In order to make a convincing argument, include both pros and cons, medical and scientific considerations, and a description of the patient population that this specialist serves.