Q.The membranous cover of the ovum at ovulation is:
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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — Reproductive System Functions
Reproductive System Functions – A First Look
Think about what every living thing does, without exception: it reproduces. A mango tree grows from a seed, flowers, and produces more mangoes. A cat gives birth to kittens. You yourself are here because two people, your parents, reproduced. Reproduction is the biological process by which organisms create new individuals of their own kind — it is the reason life continues across generations.
For a commerce or humanities student, the reproductive system is not about complicated diagrams or medical terms. It is about understanding the purpose and basic working of the system that ensures the survival of the human species. The NCERT textbook presents this as a fundamental life process, just like nutrition, respiration, or excretion.
What Does the Reproductive System Do?
The primary function of the reproductive system is to produce offspring. But that simple statement hides a lot of careful design. The system must:
- Produce gametes — the male sperm and the female egg (ovum).
- Transport these gametes so they can meet and fertilise.
- Provide a safe environment for the development of the fertilised egg into a baby.
- Nourish the newborn after birth (through milk production in females).
In humans, reproduction is sexual — it requires two parents, one male and one female. This is different from asexual reproduction (like a bacterium splitting into two), and it introduces genetic variation, which is why brothers and sisters are not identical copies of each other.
The reproductive system is the only organ system that is not essential for the survival of the individual — you can live without reproducing. But it is essential for the survival of the species. That is why it is considered a life process in biology.
The Male Reproductive System – Key Functions
The male system is designed to produce and deliver sperm. The NCERT textbook highlights these main parts and their roles:
- Testes (two oval organs): Produce sperm and the male hormone testosterone. Testosterone is responsible for changes during puberty — deeper voice, facial hair, muscle growth.
- Duct system (epididymis, vas deferens, urethra): Stores sperm and transports it out of the body.
- Accessory glands (seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral glands): Add fluids to the sperm to form semen. These fluids nourish the sperm and help them swim.
The entire process is controlled by hormones from the brain (pituitary gland) and the testes themselves.
The Female Reproductive System – Key Functions
The female system is more complex because it must not only produce eggs but also support a growing baby. The NCERT textbook describes these main functions:
- Ovaries (two almond-shaped organs): Produce eggs (ova) and the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle and prepare the body for pregnancy.
- Fallopian tubes (oviducts): Carry the egg from the ovary to the uterus. Fertilisation (fusion of sperm and egg) usually happens here.
- Uterus (womb): A hollow, muscular organ where the fertilised egg implants and grows into a baby. Its lining thickens each month in preparation for pregnancy.
- Cervix and vagina: The cervix is the lower opening of the uterus; the vagina is the birth canal through which the baby is delivered. …
At ovulation, the structure released from the ovary is the secondary oocyte, often referred to as the ovum. This secondary oocyte is surrounded by two primary protective layers.
Immediately external to the plasma membrane of the secondary oocyte is the zona pellucida. This is a thick, transparent, non-cellular layer composed of glycoproteins, which is formed by the oocyte itself. Surrounding the zona pellucida is the corona radiata, which consists of several layers of follicular cells (granulosa cells) that were part of the Graafian follicle. Both layers are present ar …
At ovulation, the ovum (secondary oocyte) is immediately surrounded by a non-cellular glycoprotein layer called the zona pellucida, which is then enveloped by a layer of follicular cells known as the corona radiata.
The female reproductive system is designed for the production of ova (eggs) and providing the environment for fertilisation and embryonic development. A crucial event in this process is ovulation, where a mature ovum is released from the ovary. Understanding the structure of this released ovum, particularly its protective coverings, is key to comprehending subsequent events like fertilisation.
During the menstrual cycle, one of the ovarian follicles matures into a Graafian follicle. This follicle contains a secondary oocyte, which is the stage at which the egg is typically released. Ovulation is the process where the mature Graafian follicle ruptures, releasing the secondary oocyte from the ovary. This secondary oocyte, often referred to simply as the ovum, is not naked; it is surrounded by several protective layers.
The ovum at the time of ovulation is enveloped by two primary layers:
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Zona Pellucida: This is the immediate, transparent, non-cellular layer that directly surrounds the plasma membrane of the secondary oocyte. It is composed of glycoproteins and is secreted by the oocyte itself. The zona pellucida plays a critical role in species-specific sperm recognition and binding, and after fertilisation, it undergoes changes to prevent polyspermy (entry of multiple sperm).
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Corona Radiata: Surrounding the zona pellucida is a layer of follicular cells, specifically granulosa cells, which are arranged radially around the ovum. These cells were part of the Graafian follicle and remain attached to the ovum after ovulation. The corona radiata provides nourishment to the oocyte and also plays a role in protecting it. For a sperm to fertilise the ovum, it must first penetrate this cellular layer.
Therefore, when the ovum is released during ovulation, it is a secondary oocyte encased by the zona pellucida, which in turn is surrounded by the corona radiata.
Let's evaluate the given options:
- (A) Corona radiata: This is indeed a membranous cover of the ovum at ovulation, consisting of follicular cells. It is the outermost layer.
- (B) Zona radiata: This term is not a standard, distinct anatomical layer described in human reproduction. It might be a misnomer or a distractor. The primary layers are the zona pellucida and corona radiata. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 28 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2026Set ap-2026-05-20-AN1 markMCQQ.Match the following: List-I A. Hyaluronidase B. Ovulatory phase C. Sertoli cells D. Estradiol List-II I. Inhibits the secretion of FSH II. Corona radiata penetrating enzyme III. Promote growth of uterus and mammary glands IV. LH surge Choose the correct option (A) A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III (B) A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV (C) A-II, B-IV, C-III, D-I (D) A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III
›Reveal solutionSolution
This matches reproductive hormones/cells/phases to their correct physiological roles.
Concept and Intuition
In male reproductive physiology, Sertoli cells secrete inhibin, which provides negative feedback to reduce FSH secretion from the pituitary. In female reproductive physiology, the ovulatory phase is characterised by a surge of luteinising hormone (LH) that triggers rupture of the Graafian follicle and release of the ovum. During fertilisation, sperm release hyaluronidase from the acrosome to break through the corona radiata cells surrounding the ovum. Estradiol, the principal estrogen, promotes growth and development of the uterus and mammary glands.
Step-by-Step Solution
- A. Hyaluronidase → its known function is digesting the corona radiata to allow sperm penetration → II.
- B. Ovulatory phase → defined by the LH surge that triggers ovulation → IV.
- C. Sertoli cells → secrete inhibin, which suppresses FSH secretion → I. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-05-19-AN1 markMCQQ.One of the following is not associated with male reproductive system of man. (A) Seminal vesicles (B) Prostate gland (C) Bulbourethral glands (D) Bartholin's glands
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests knowledge of male accessory reproductive glands. The answer is (D) Bartholin's glands.
Concept and Intuition
The human male reproductive system includes three sets of accessory glands that add secretions to sperm to form semen: the seminal vesicles (contribute fructose-rich fluid), the prostate gland (contributes a milky, slightly acidic fluid with enzymes), and the bulbourethral (Cowper's) glands (secrete a mucus-like fluid that lubricates the urethra before ejaculation). Bartholin's glands, also called greater vestibular glands, are the developmental and functional counterpart of the bulbourethral glands but occur in females, located at the vaginal vestibule, where they secrete mucus for lubrication.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Identify each gland's associated sex: seminal vesicles — male; prostate — male; bulbourethral glands — male. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-05-19-FN1 markMCQQ.This hormone involves in ovulation. (A) Estrogen (B) Progesterone (C) Luteinizing hormone (D) Follicle-stimulating hormone
›Reveal solutionSolution
Ovulation is directly triggered by the mid-cycle LH surge. Answer: (C).
Concept and Intuition
During the menstrual cycle, several hormones interact:
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles.
- Estrogen, secreted by the growing follicle, rises through the follicular phase and, at high sustained levels, exerts positive feedback on the hypothalamus/pituitary.
- This positive feedback triggers a sudden, sharp mid-cycle surge in Luteinizing Hormone (LH) (along with a smaller FSH surge) — this LH surge is the direct trigger for ovulation, causing the mature Graafian follicle to rupture and release the secondary oocyte.
- After ovulation, LH also drives the transformation of the ruptured follicle into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to maintain the uterine lining.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Identify the immediate hormonal trigger for the ovarian follicle to rupture and release the egg: this is the LH surge.
- Rule out FSH: it mainly drives follicular growth/maturation, not the actual rupture event.
- Rule out estrogen: it builds up and triggers the LH surge (upstream cause), but doesn't itself cause ovulation directly. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-05-20-AN1 markMCQQ.Assertion (A) : Sertoli cells provide nourishment to developing sperm cells. Reason (R) : Sertoli cells secrete testosterone. Identify the correct option from the following (A) (A) and (R) are true. (R) is correct explanation of (A) (B) (A) and (R) are true. But (R) is not the correct explanation of (A) (C) (A) is true, But (R) is false (D) (A) is false, But (R) is true
›Reveal solutionSolution
Sertoli cells genuinely nourish developing sperm cells (true Assertion), but
testosterone is secreted by the Leydig cells, not the Sertoli cells (false Reason).
Answer: (C).
Concept and Intuition
Within the seminiferous tubules of the testis, Sertoli cells (also called nurse
cells) provide structural support, nutrition, and regulatory signals to the developing
germ cells as they mature into sperm, and they also secrete substances like inhibin and
androgen-binding protein. Testosterone, however, is produced by the Leydig cells (interstitial cells), which lie in the connective tissue between the seminiferous
tubules, outside of them — not by the Sertoli cells. This is a classic point of confusion
because both cell types are involved in different aspects of spermatogenesis/testicular
hormone physiology.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Assertion: Sertoli cells provide nourishment to developing sperm cells — this is a well-established, textbook-correct function of Sertoli cells. True. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-05-20-AN1 markMCQQ.These are not the accessory reproductive glands of female (in human beings) (A) Bartholin glands (B) Greater vestibular glands (C) Skene glands (D) Cowper's glands
›Reveal solutionSolution
Bartholin/greater vestibular glands and Skene glands are accessory glands of the female
reproductive tract, whereas Cowper's (bulbourethral) glands belong to the male
reproductive system — making (D) the one that is not a female accessory gland. Answer:
(D).
Concept and Intuition
The female reproductive tract has its own set of accessory exocrine glands that aid
lubrication and hygiene: the Bartholin's glands (also known as the greater vestibular
glands — these are in fact the same gland described by two names) secrete mucus to
lubricate the vaginal vestibule, and the Skene's glands (paraurethral glands) are
located near the urethral opening and are considered analogous to the male prostate. In
contrast, Cowper's glands (bulbourethral glands) are a pair of glands found in the
male reproductive system, located below the prostate, that secrete a pre-ejaculatory
fluid into the urethra. They have no counterpart role in the female system under this
name.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Bartholin glands = greater vestibular glands — both refer to the same female accessory gland, so both (A) and (B) describe real female glands. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-05-20-FN1 markMCQQ.Which of the following are the accessory glands of human male reproductive system ? I. Skene glands II. Bartholin glands III. Seminal vesicles IV. Lesser vestibular glands V. Prostate gland VI. Mammary glands VII. Cowper's glands (A) II, III, IV (B) V, VI, VII (C) III, V, VII (D) I, IV, VI
›Reveal solutionSolution
The male accessory glands are the seminal vesicles, the prostate gland, and the bulbourethral (Cowper's) glands — items III, V, VII. Answer: (C).
Concept and Intuition
The human male reproductive system's accessory glands secrete fluids that, together with sperm from the testes, make up semen — providing nutrients, buffering, and lubrication. The three accessory glands are: the seminal vesicles (contribute fructose-rich, alkaline fluid, roughly 60% of semen volume), the prostate gland (contributes a milky, slightly acidic fluid rich in enzymes like acid phosphatase), and the bulbourethral (Cowper's) glands (secrete a pre-ejaculatory mucus-like fluid that lubricates the urethra and neutralises residual acidity). Skene's glands, Bartholin's glands and the lesser vestibular glands are analogous accessory structures found in the female reproductive tract, not the male.
Step-by-Step Solution
- List each item and its correct sex/tract: I. Skene glands — female (paraurethral glands); II. Bartholin glands — female (greater vestibular glands); III. Seminal vesicles — male; IV. Lesser vestibular glands — female; V. Prostate gland — male; VI. Mammary glands — not a reproductive-tract accessory gland; VII. Cowper's glands — male. …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set ap-2024-05-16-FN1 markMCQQ.The term yellow body refers to (A) Corpus luteum (B) Corpus albicans (C) Graffian follicle (D) Trophoblast
›Reveal solutionSolution
"Yellow body" is simply the literal translation of corpus luteum, the progesterone-secreting structure formed post-ovulation.
Concept and Intuition
After ovulation, the ruptured Graafian follicle transforms into the corpus luteum ("yellow body," named for its yellowish lutein pigment), which secretes progesterone to maintain the uterine lining. If pregnancy does not occur, it degenerates into the corpus albicans ("white body").
Step-by-Step Solution
- Corpus albicans is the regressed, scarred remnant after the corpus luteum degenerates — pale/white, not yellow.
- Graafian follicle is the mature pre-ovulatory follicle, not the post-ovulation structure. …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set ap-2024-05-17-AN1 markMCQQ.Choose the incorrect combination among the following. List-1 : List-2 : List-3 — I. Hensen's node : Helps for involution of chorda mesodermal cells : Gastrulation; II. Epimere : Somatic mesoderm : Urinogenital organs; III. Cowper's glands : Located beneath the urinary bladder : Secretions provide nutrition for sperms; IV. Mons pubis : Present above the labia majora : Cushion of fatty tissue (A) I, II (B) III, IV (C) II, III (D) I, IV
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests reproductive/embryological anatomy pairings; epimere's fate and Cowper's gland's location/function are misdescribed, making II and III the incorrect combinations.
Concept and Intuition
Mesoderm in the vertebrate embryo differentiates regionally along the dorsoventral axis into epimere (dorsal, segmented, gives rise to skeletal muscle/myotomes), mesomere (middle, gives rise to the urinogenital system), and hypomere/lateral plate mesoderm (ventral, gives rise to body wall and gut-associated structures). Meanwhile, in the male reproductive tract, the bulbourethral (Cowper's) glands sit below the prostate near the penis base and secrete mainly a lubricating, slightly alkaline fluid — the sperm-nourishing role is chiefly attributed to seminal vesicle secretions (rich in fructose).
Step-by-Step Solution
- I: Hensen's node organizes involution of cells to form the notochord/chorda-mesoderm during gastrulation — an accurate, standard description. CORRECT.
- II: Epimere's actual derivative is somatic musculature (myotome), not the urinogenital organs (which arise from mesomere) — the pairing is wrong. INCORRECT. …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set ap-2024-05-17-AN1 markMCQQ.Identify the incorrect pairs among the following. A. Acrosin – digests corona radiata; B. Sertoli cells – inhibits FSH; C. Capacitation - changes in zona pellucida; D. Ovulatory phase – LH surge (A) B, C (B) B, D (C) A, B (D) A, C
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests fertilization physiology; acrosin's target and the true meaning of capacitation are both misstated, making A and C the incorrect pairs.
Concept and Intuition
During fertilization, the sperm must penetrate two protective layers around the ovum — the corona radiata (dispersed largely by hyaluronidase released from the sperm's acrosome) and the zona pellucida (penetrated with the help of acrosin, another acrosomal enzyme). Separately, "capacitation" specifically refers to physiological changes the SPERM undergoes while transiting the female reproductive tract (membrane changes enabling it to fertilize), not any structural change in the zona pellucida itself.
Step-by-Step Solution
- A: Acrosin's actual substrate is the zona pellucida, not the corona radiata — the pairing "digests corona radiata" is INCORRECT.
- B: Sertoli cells secrete inhibin, which does inhibit FSH secretion — CORRECT. …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set ap-2024-05-17-FN1 markMCQQ.The state of cease of menstrual cycles in women is called (A) Menopause (B) Ovulation (C) Menarche (D) Fertilization
›Reveal solutionSolution
Menopause is the specific term for the permanent stopping of the menstrual cycle in women.
Concept and Intuition
The female reproductive lifespan includes several key milestones:
- Menarche — the first occurrence of menstruation at puberty, marking the onset of reproductive capability.
- Ovulation — the monthly release of a mature ovum from the ovary during the menstrual cycle.
- Fertilization — the fusion of sperm and ovum to form a zygote.
- Menopause — the permanent cessation of the menstrual cycle, occurring when the ovaries stop releasing eggs and significantly reduce hormone production, typically around 45–55 years of age.
Step-by-Step Solution
- The question asks specifically about the "cessation" (stopping) of menstrual cycles.
- Menarche refers to the beginning, not the end, of menstruation — eliminate (C).
- Ovulation is a monthly event within an ongoing cycle, not its cessation — eliminate (B). …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set ap-2024-05-17-FN1 markMCQQ.Assertion (A): Myometrium is an important layer of uterus Reason (R): Myometrium allows the uterus to enlarge in pregnancy and causes strong contractions during parturition (A) A and R are true. R is correct explanation for A (B) A and R are true. But R is not correct explanation for A (C) A is true. But R is false (D) A is false. But R is true
›Reveal solutionSolution
The myometrium's smooth muscle composition is exactly what allows uterine enlargement during pregnancy and forceful contractions during labour, so both statements are true and causally connected.
Concept and Intuition
The uterine wall has three layers: the perimetrium (outer serous covering), the myometrium (middle, thick layer of smooth muscle), and the endometrium (inner glandular lining that undergoes cyclical changes and is where the embryo implants). The myometrium's smooth muscle fibres are capable of significant hypertrophy and hyperplasia during pregnancy, enabling the uterus to enlarge to accommodate the growing fetus, and near the end of pregnancy, these muscle fibres generate the strong, rhythmic contractions (driven by oxytocin) required to expel the fetus during parturition.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Evaluate Assertion: Is myometrium an important uterine layer? Yes, it is the thick, functionally critical muscular layer. True.
- Evaluate Reason: Does the myometrium allow uterine enlargement in pregnancy and cause strong contractions in parturition? Yes, this is exactly its physiological role. True. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set ap-2023-05-22-AN1 markMCQQ.The double layered fold of peritoneum that connects the ovary with the wall of abdominal cavity is (A) Mesorchium (B) Mesosalpinx (C) Arachnoid membrane (D) Mesovarium
›Reveal solutionSolution
The peritoneal fold suspending the ovary from the abdominal wall is the mesovarium, distinct from the mesorchium (testis) and mesosalpinx (fallopian tube).
Concept and Intuition
The broad ligament of the uterus is a double-layered peritoneal fold with distinct named regions supporting the various female reproductive organs: the mesometrium supports the uterus, the mesosalpinx supports the fallopian tube, and the mesovarium specifically supports and attaches the ovary to the pelvic/abdominal wall.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Recall the components of the broad ligament: mesometrium (uterus), mesosalpinx (oviduct/fallopian tube), and mesovarium (ovary).
- The mesovarium is the fold of peritoneum that connects/suspends the ovary to the posterior aspect of the broad ligament and thus to the abdominal wall.
- Mesorchium is the male-equivalent structure that suspends the testis (in its embryonic position) — not relevant here. …
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