Section A: 1-Mark MCQs / Very Short Answer (Questions 1–35)
1. Why are human testes located outside the abdominal cavity? (All India 2014) (a) To protect them from injury (b) To maintain a temperature 2–2.5 °C lower than body temperature required for spermatogenesis (c) To increase blood supply (d) To facilitate easy removal of sperms
2. Name the pouch in which the testes are present. (All India 2014) (a) Epididymis (b) Scrotum (c) Prostate (d) Seminal vesicle
3. State the function of Leydig cells. (All India 2019 / Delhi 2015) (a) Nutrition to germ cells (b) Synthesis and secretion of androgens (c) Formation of sperms (d) Storage of sperms
4. Write the specific location of Sertoli cells in the testes. (All India 2023) (a) In the interstitial spaces (b) Lining the inner side of seminiferous tubules (c) In the epididymis (d) In the rete testis
5. List the four different human male accessory ducts. (All India 2020) (a) Rete testis, vasa efferentia, epididymis, vas deferens (b) Seminiferous tubules, epididymis, vas deferens, urethra (c) Prostate, seminal vesicle, bulbourethral, epididymis (d) Vasa efferentia, prostate, urethra, ejaculatory duct
6. Why are the human testes located outside the abdominal cavity? Name the pouch in which they are present. (All India 2014) (a) Lower temperature needed; Scrotum (b) Higher temperature needed; Epididymis (c) Protection; Prostate (d) Hormone secretion; Seminal vesicle
7. Name the male accessory glands. (CBSE Sample Paper 2022-23) (a) Only prostate (b) Seminal vesicles, prostate and bulbourethral glands (c) Only seminal vesicles (d) Testes and epididymis
8. What is semen? (Common Board pattern 2018–20) (a) Only spermatozoa (b) Mixture of sperms and seminal plasma (c) Only seminal plasma (d) Fluid from prostate only
9. Where does fertilisation normally take place in a human female? (Delhi 2019) (a) Uterus (b) Ampullary-isthmic junction of the fallopian tube (c) Ovary (d) Vagina
10. Name the finger-like projections present at the edges of the infundibulum. (All India 2019 pattern) (a) Fimbriae (b) Cilia (c) Villi (d) Microvilli
11. State the significance of the cervix in the female reproductive system. (CBSE Sample / 2019 pattern) (a) Site of fertilisation (b) Narrow opening that connects uterus to vagina and forms part of the birth canal (c) Production of ova (d) Secretion of estrogen
12. Name the layer of cells that forms the outer wall of the blastocyst. (Delhi 2017 pattern) (a) Inner cell mass (b) Trophoblast (c) Zona pellucida (d) Corona radiata
13. At what stage is the mammalian embryo implanted in the uterus? (Common Board 2016–19) (a) Zygote (b) Morula (c) Blastocyst (d) Gastrula
14. How many polar bodies are given out during the production of one egg in oogenesis? (Common Board pattern) (a) One (b) Two (c) Three (d) Four
15. Define parturition. (All India 2019) (a) Formation of gametes (b) Fusion of gametes (c) Process of delivery of the fully developed foetus (d) Implantation of blastocyst
16. State from where do the signals for parturition originate in human females. (All India 2019) (a) Maternal pituitary only (b) Fully developed foetus and placenta (c) Ovary (d) Uterus only
17. Name the hormone crucial in parturition. (Common Board 2017–19) (a) Progesterone (b) Estrogen (c) Oxytocin (d) Prolactin
18. Why is breastfeeding recommended during the initial period of an infant’s growth? (Delhi 2016 / All India 2016) (a) It contains only fat (b) Colostrum is rich in antibodies (IgA) that provide passive immunity (c) It prevents all diseases permanently (d) It contains no nutrients
19. “Each and every coitus does not result in fertilisation and pregnancy.” Justify. (Common Board) (a) Sperm and ovum must reach the ampullary-isthmic junction at the same time (b) Always polyspermy occurs (c) Cervix is always closed (d) No hormones are involved
20. Name the structure that transforms into corpus luteum after ovulation. (Delhi 2015) (a) Primary follicle (b) Remaining parts of Graafian follicle (c) Secondary oocyte (d) Zona pellucida
21. Name the hormone secreted by the corpus luteum. (Delhi 2015) (a) FSH (b) LH (c) Progesterone (d) Oxytocin
22. What is LH surge? Write its role. (All India 2021-22 Term-I / Sample) (a) Gradual rise of LH (b) Rapid rise of LH in mid-cycle that causes ovulation (c) Fall of LH (d) Rise of FSH only
23. During which phase of the menstrual cycle does the endometrium regenerate? (All India 2017) (a) Menstrual phase (b) Follicular / proliferative phase (c) Luteal phase (d) Ovulatory phase only
24. Name the process by which spermatids are transformed into spermatozoa. (Common Board) (a) Spermatogenesis (b) Spermiogenesis (c) Oogenesis (d) Fertilisation
25. The spermatogonial cell has 46 chromosomes. Give the number of chromosomes in a secondary spermatocyte. (Common Board) (a) 46 (b) 23 (c) 92 (d) 22
26. How many sperms will be produced from 10 primary spermatocytes? (Common Board pattern) (a) 10 (b) 20 (c) 40 (d) 80
27. Name the substance present in the sperm acrosome which helps in sperm entry into the egg. (Common Board) (a) Amylase (b) Hyaluronidase (c) Pepsin (d) Lipase
28. Despite the presence of so many sperms in the vicinity of an egg, only one sperm enters the ovum. Why? (Common Board) (a) Acrosomal reaction (b) Cortical reaction / changes in zona pellucida block entry of other sperms (c) Capacitation (d) Cleavage
29. Name the structure that forms a connection between the foetus and the uterus. (Common Board) (a) Umbilical cord (b) Amnion (c) Chorion (d) Allantois
30. Which hormone can be detected in the urine of a woman in the early stages of pregnancy? (Common Board) (a) FSH (b) LH (c) hCG (d) Oxytocin
31. State the role of the ampullary-isthmic junction. (Common Board 2016–19) (a) Site of implantation (b) Site of fertilisation (c) Site of ovulation (d) Site of sperm production
32. Name the cells that provide nutrition to the developing germ cells in the seminiferous tubules. (All India 2023) (a) Leydig cells (b) Sertoli cells (c) Spermatogonia (d) Interstitial cells
33. What happens to the corpus luteum if the ovum is not fertilised? (Delhi 2015) (a) It persists throughout life (b) It degenerates within 10–12 days leading to menstruation (c) It becomes placenta (d) It produces FSH
34. What is menarche? (Common Board) (a) Cessation of menstruation (b) First menstruation at puberty (c) Ovulation (d) Fertilisation
35. What is menopause? (Common Board) (a) Onset of menstruation (b) Permanent cessation of menstruation (c) Temporary stop of cycle (d) Pregnancy
Section B: Assertion–Reason (Questions 36–45)
(Options for all: (a) Both A and R true and R is correct explanation of A (b) Both true but R is not correct explanation of A (c) A true, R false (d) A false, R true)
36. A: Testes are located in the scrotum. R: A temperature lower than the body temperature is required for spermatogenesis. (All India 2014 pattern)
37. A: Corpus luteum secretes progesterone. R: Progesterone is essential for maintenance of the endometrium. (Delhi 2015 pattern)
38. A: LH surge causes ovulation. R: LH is secreted by the posterior pituitary. (Term-I 2021-22 pattern)
39. A: Only one sperm fertilises the ovum. R: Cortical reaction blocks the entry of additional sperms. (Common Board)
40. A: Breastfeeding acts as a natural contraceptive for a limited period. R: High levels of prolactin suppress ovulation. (Common Board)
41. A: Primary oocytes are formed during the embryonic stage in females. R: No more oogonia are formed after birth. (Delhi 2015 / 2010 pattern)
42. A: The first polar body is released around the time of ovulation. R: Meiosis I is completed just before ovulation. (Common Board)
43. A: hCG maintains the corpus luteum during early pregnancy. R: hCG is secreted by the trophoblast cells of the blastocyst. (Delhi 2017 pattern)
44. A: Spermatogenesis is a continuous process in adult males. R: It is regulated by FSH and LH. (All India 2015C pattern)
45. A: Zona pellucida disappears just before implantation. R: The blastocyst attaches to the endometrium by its trophoblast layer. (Common Board)
Section C: 2-Mark Questions (Questions 46–65)
46. Explain why failure of the testes to descend into the scrotum leads to sterility. (All India 2014) 47. Write the functions of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. (All India 2019 / 2023) 48. Differentiate between spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis. (Common Board) 49. Explain the role of pituitary hormones in spermatogenesis. (All India 2015C / Delhi 2014) 50. Why are human testes located outside the abdominal cavity? Explain its significance. (All India 2014) 51. Explain the functions of the following structures in the human male reproductive system: (a) Scrotum (b) Leydig cells (c) Male accessory glands. (CBSE Sample Paper 2022-23) 52. Explain the role of the epididymis in male fertility. (Common Board) 53. Write two functions of the placenta other than its endocrine function. (Common Board) 54. What happens to the corpus luteum in human female if the ovum is (i) fertilised (ii) not fertilised? (Delhi 2015) 55. What is meant by LH surge? Write the role of LH. (Common Board) 56. Why is the first half of the menstrual cycle called the follicular phase as well as the proliferative phase? (Common Board) 57. Why is the second half of the menstrual cycle called the luteal phase as well as the secretory phase? (Common Board) 58. State the significance of menarche and menopause. (Common Board) 59. How can the scientific understanding of the menstrual cycle of human females help as a contraceptive measure? (2018) 60. Describe the roles of pituitary and ovarian hormones during the menstrual cycle. (Delhi 2015) 61. Write the number of chromosomes in primary oocyte, secondary oocyte, ootid and follicle cell. (Common Board) 62. Mention the function of zona pellucida. (Delhi 2015C / 2013) 63. What is foetal ejection reflex? How does it cause parturition? (Common Board) 64. Why is breastfeeding recommended during the initial period of an infant’s growth? (Delhi 2016 / All India 2016) 65. Distinguish between the immunity provided by vaccine and colostrum. (Common Board pattern)
Section D: 3-Mark Questions (Questions 66–80)
66. Explain the hormonal regulation of the process of spermatogenesis in humans. (All India 2015C / Delhi 2014 / All India 2013) 67. Describe the structure of a mature human sperm and write the functions of any three parts. (Foreign 2015 / 2011 / 2014) 68. Explain the development of a secondary oocyte (ovum) in a human female from the embryonic stage up to its ovulation. Name the hormones involved. (Delhi 2015 / 2010) 69. Explain the following phases in the menstrual cycle of a human female: (a) Menstrual phase (b) Follicular phase (c) Luteal phase. (All India 2017) 70. Explain the ovarian and uterine events that occur during a menstrual cycle under the influence of pituitary and ovarian hormones. (Delhi 2014 / All India 2017) 71. Explain the process of fertilisation in human. (Delhi 2019) 72. Name the embryonic stage that gets implanted in human females. Explain the process of implantation. (Delhi 2019) 73. Trace the events from fertilisation till implantation of the blastocyst. (Recent Board pattern) 74. (i) Arrange the following hormones in the sequence of their secretion in a pregnant woman: hCG, LH, FSH, Relaxin. (ii) Mention their source and the function they perform. (Delhi 2017) 75. Explain the process of parturition in human. (Delhi 2015) 76. Why is breastfeeding recommended during the initial period of an infant’s growth? Give reasons. (Delhi 2016) 77. Differentiate between menstrual cycle and oestrous cycle. (Common Board) 78. Explain the events in a normal woman during her menstrual cycle on the following days: (i) Ovarian event from 13–15 days (ii) Ovarian hormones level from 16–23 days (iii) Uterine events from 24–29 days. (Delhi 2015C) 79. Describe the roles of pituitary and ovarian hormones during the menstrual cycle in a human female. (Delhi 2015) 80. Explain how the cortical reaction and zona reaction prevent polyspermy. (Common Board)
Section E: 4-Mark / Case-Based Questions (Questions 81–90)
81. A proper understanding of the menstrual cycle can help immensely in family planning. Do you agree? Provide reasons. Also explain the three phases of the menstrual cycle. (All India 2017 / 2018)
82. Read the passage and answer: “During the middle of the menstrual cycle a rapid increase in the level of one hormone causes rupture of the Graafian follicle. The remaining parts of the follicle transform into an endocrine structure.” (a) Name the hormone. (b) Name the endocrine structure formed. (c) Which hormone does it secrete? (d) What happens if fertilisation does not occur? (Common Board case style)
83. Trace the events from fertilisation till implantation of blastocyst in human female. Also mention the site where fertilisation takes place. (Recent Board pattern)
84. (a) Name the organ that forms a connection between foetus and the uterus of a pregnant human female. (b) How does it support both nutrition and hormonal regulation? (c) Give reasons why all copulations do not lead to pregnancy. (Common Board)
85. Why is mother’s milk considered very essential for the healthy growth of infants? What is the milk called that is produced in the initial days of lactation? Explain its importance. (All India 2016)
86. Explain the role of pituitary and sex hormones in the process of spermatogenesis. (All India 2015C)
87. (i) How many primary follicles are left in each ovary in a human female at puberty? (ii) Explain the development of follicles up to the stage of ovulation. (Outside Delhi 2016C)
88. Explain the process of fertilisation and the events that follow till the implantation of the blastocyst. (Delhi 2019 pattern)
89. Describe the hormonal changes that take place during the different phases of the menstrual cycle. (Delhi 2015 / 2014)
90. Explain the events of pregnancy, parturition and lactation. (Common long pattern adapted to 4 marks)
Section F: 5-Mark Long Answer Questions (Questions 91–100)
91. Explain the process of spermatogenesis. Mention the role of hormones involved. (All India 2015C / Delhi 2014)
92. Explain the development of a secondary oocyte in a human female from the embryonic stage up to its ovulation. Name the hormones involved in this process. (Delhi 2015)
93. Explain the menstrual cycle in human females. How can the scientific understanding of the menstrual cycle help as a contraceptive measure? (2018)
94. (i) Explain the process of fertilisation in human. (ii) Name the embryonic stage that gets implanted in human females. Explain the process of implantation. (Delhi 2019)
95. During the reproductive cycle of a human female when, where and how does placenta develop? What is the function of placenta during pregnancy and embryo development? (Delhi 2015)
96. Explain the hormonal regulation of spermatogenesis and the menstrual cycle. (Combined common Board)
97. Describe the roles of pituitary and ovarian hormones during the menstrual cycle in a human female. (Delhi 2015)
98. Explain the process of parturition and lactation in humans. (Delhi 2015 pattern)
99. Compare spermatogenesis and oogenesis under the heads: site, timing, number of gametes, hormones and meiotic arrest. (Common Board comparative)
100. Trace the events from fertilisation till the birth of the baby and initiation of lactation, explaining the role of important hormones at each stage. (Common comprehensive Board pattern)