Chapter 39 Endocrine and Reproductive Systems

MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The endocrine system is made up of
a. hormones.
b. glands.
ANS: B

DIF: B

c. gonads.
d. prostaglandins.
REF: p. 997

OBJ: 39.1.1

2. The nervous system is to a telephone as the endocrine system is to a

a. chemical message.
c. radio broadcast.
b. television set.
d. hormone.
ANS: C

DIF: E

REF: p. 997

OBJ: 39.1.1

3. The endocrine system

a. affects only the reproductive system.
b. releases hormones into the bloodstream.
c. competes with the nervous system.
d. is made up primarily of glands with ducts.
ANS: B

DIF: A

REF: p. 997

OBJ: 39.1.1

4. Which of the following is a gland of the endocrine system?

a. sweat gland
c. pituitary gland
b. tear gland
d. all of the above
ANS: C
STO: 12.A.4.b

DIF: B

REF: p. 998

Figure 391

OBJ: 39.1.2

5. Figure 391 shows the bodys

a. hormones.
b. target cells.
ANS: C
STO: 12.A.4.b

DIF: B

c. endocrine glands.
d. exocrine glands.
REF: p. 998

OBJ: 39.1.1

6. Which structure in Figure 391 regulates the level of calcium in the blood?
a. C
c. E
b. D
d. F
ANS: A
STO: 12.A.4.b

DIF: A

REF: p. 998

OBJ: 39.2.1

7. What is the function of the structure labeled H in Figure 391?

a. to produce sex hormones
c. to produce insulin and glucagon
b. to produce thyroxine
d. to produce thymosin
ANS: C
STO: 12.A.4.b

DIF: E

REF: p. 998

OBJ: 39.2.1

8. Which structure in Figure 391 releases hormones that regulate many of the other endocrine glands?
a. B
c. H
b. D
d. J
ANS: A
STO: 12.A.4.b

DIF: B

REF: p. 998

OBJ: 39.2.1

9. Unlike endocrine glands, exocrine glands

a. release secretions through ducts.
b. release hormones.
c. release secretions directly into the bloodstream.
d. are found throughout the body.
ANS: A
STO: 12.A.4.b

DIF: A

REF: p. 998

OBJ: 39.1.2

10. Unlike nonsteroid hormones, steroid hormones

a. remain outside the target cell.
c. have no target cells.
b. bind to receptors inside the target cell.
d. are made of proteins.
ANS: B

DIF: E

11. A thermostat is a good example of a(an)

a. hormone-receptor complex.
b. feedback system.
ANS: B

DIF: B

REF: p. 999

OBJ: 39.1.2

c. prostaglandin.
d. exocrine gland.
REF: p. 1000

OBJ: 39.1.3

12. One way the endocrine system helps maintain homeostasis is by having
a. each gland secrete only one hormone.
b. two hormones with opposite effects regulate certain things.
c. only steroid hormones regulate important functions.
d. the pituitary gland regulate all the other glands.
ANS: B

DIF: A

REF: p. 1000

OBJ: 39.1.3

13. Feedback inhibition means that an increase in a substance will

a. decrease production of that substance.
b. increase production of that substance.
c. increase the production of other substances.
d. stop production of another substance.
ANS: A

DIF: E

REF: p. 1000

OBJ: 39.1.3

14. Which endocrine gland secretes sex hormones?

a. adrenal medulla
c. hypothalamus
b. testis
d. pituitary
ANS: B

DIF: B

REF: p. 1008

OBJ: 39.2.1

15. Which gland fails to produce enough of its hormone in the disease diabetes mellitus?
a. adrenal
c. pancreas
b. hypothalamus
d. parathyroid
ANS: C

DIF: B

REF: p. 1007

OBJ: 39.2.1

16. Which gland produces epinephrine and norepinephrine?

a. parathyroid
c. pituitary
b. hypothalamus
d. adrenal
ANS: D

DIF: A

17. Puberty usually begins between the ages of

a. 5 and 8.
b. 9 and 15.
ANS: B
STO: 12.A.4.b

DIF: B

REF: p. 1006

OBJ: 39.2.1

c. 16 and 19.
d. 20 and 25.
REF: p. 1009

OBJ: 39.3.1

18. Which hormones stimulate the gonads to mature?

a. FSH and LH
c. androgens
b. estrogens
d. testosterone and progesterone
ANS: A
STO: 12.A.4.b

DIF: E

REF: p. 1009

OBJ: 39.3.1

19. The testes and the ovaries do not begin making active reproductive cells until
a. birth.
c. gastrulation.
b. fertilization.
d. puberty.
ANS: D
STO: 12.A.4.b

DIF: B

REF: p. 1009

OBJ: 39.3.1

20. Testosterone is needed for the development of

a. eggs.
c. the uterus.
b. sperm.
d. all of the above
ANS: B
STO: 12.A.4.b

DIF: E

21. Specialized sex cells are known as

REF: p. 1010

OBJ: 39.3.1

a. gametes.
b. hormones.
ANS: A
STO: 12.A.4.b

c. gonads.
d. organs.
DIF: A

REF: p. 1009

OBJ: 39.3.1

22. How many ova do the ovaries usually produce?

a. one per day
c. one between them each month
b. about 20 per year
d. 200 million at a time
ANS: C
STO: 12.A.4.b

DIF: E

23. Which structure produces sperm?

a. scrotum
b. epididymis
ANS: C
STO: 12.A.4.b

DIF: A

REF: p. 1011

OBJ: 39.3.2

c. seminiferous tubules
d. vas deferens
REF: p. 1010

OBJ: 39.3.2

24. Which of the following is NOT a function of the female reproductive system?
a. to produce eggs
b. to prepare the body to carry an embryo
c. to deliver sperm
d. to release eggs into the Fallopian tubes
ANS: C
STO: 12.A.4.b

DIF: E

REF: p. 1011

OBJ: 39.3.2

25. Which organ system is responsible for making and delivering sperm?
a. female reproductive system
c. nervous system
b. endocrine system
d. male reproductive system
ANS: D
STO: 12.A.4.b

DIF: B

REF: p. 1010

OBJ: 39.3.2

26. Which of the following is NOT a phase in the menstrual cycle?

a. menstruation
c. fertilization
b. luteal
d. ovulation
ANS: C
STO: 12.A.4.b

DIF: E

REF: p. 1013

OBJ: 39.3.3

27. When during the menstrual cycle does an egg have the best chance of being fertilized?
a. during the follicular phase
c. the beginning of the luteal phase
b. just before menstruation
d. the day of ovulation
ANS: C
STO: 12.A.4.b

DIF: A

28. One menstrual cycle usually lasts about a

a. day.
b. week.
ANS: C
STO: 12.A.4.b

DIF: B

REF: p. 1014

OBJ: 39.3.3

c. month.
d. year.
REF: p. 1013

OBJ: 39.3.3

29. During the menstrual cycle, LH and FSH peak, causing the
a. corpus luteum to disintegrate.
b. follicle to release a mature egg.
c. uterine lining to detach from the uterus.
d. the lining of the uterus to thicken.
ANS: B
STO: 12.A.4.b

DIF: E

30. Menstruation does not occur if the

a. uterine lining thickens.
b. estrogen level falls.
ANS: D
STO: 12.A.4.b

DIF: A

31. A zygote is a
a. two-celled embryo.
b. solid ball of about 50 cells.
ANS: D

DIF: A

REF: p. 1013

OBJ: 39.3.3

c. progesterone level falls.

d. egg is fertilized.
REF: p. 1014

OBJ: 39.3.3

c. blastocyst.
d. fertilized egg.
REF: p. 1016

OBJ: 39.4.1

32. The chances of fertilization are very good if sperm are present and a(an)
a. blastocyst is already present.
c. woman is menstruating.
b. egg is in the Fallopian tubes.
d. all of the above
ANS: B

DIF: A

REF: p. 1016

OBJ: 39.4.1

33. Which of the following are required for fertilization to occur inside the female body?
a. Sperm must swim into a Fallopian tube.
b. An egg must be present in the Fallopian tube.
c. The nucleus of a sperm must enter an egg cell.
d. all of the above
ANS: D

DIF: A

REF: p. 1016

OBJ: 39.4.1

34. During the process of fertilization, which step happens first?

a. The sperms nucleus enters the egg cell.
b. Enzymes break down the protective layer of the egg cell membrane.
c. A sperm attaches to a binding site on the egg cell membrane.
d. The cell membrane of the egg cell changes.
ANS: C

DIF: E

35. Where does fertilization usually occur?

a. Fallopian tube
b. ovary
ANS: A

DIF: B

36. What is the result of gastrulation?

a. a blastocyst
b. a zygote
ANS: D

DIF: A

REF: p. 1016

OBJ: 39.4.1

c. uterus
d. vagina
REF: p. 1016

OBJ: 39.4.1

c. the amnion
d. germ layers
REF: p. 1018

OBJ: 39.4.2

37. Which of the following forms during gastrulation?

a. endoderm
c. mesoderm
b. ectoderm
d. all of the above
ANS: D

DIF: B

REF: p. 1018

OBJ: 39.4.2

38. Which of the following processes happens last?

a. gastrulation
c. fertilization
b. implantation
d. ovulation
ANS: A

DIF: E

REF: p. 1017

OBJ: 39.4.2

39. Which of the following is a function of the placenta?

a. mixing the blood of the mother and the fetus
b. protecting the fetus from any drugs or alcohol in the mothers body
c. providing nutrients to the fetus
d. cushioning and protecting the fetus
ANS: C

DIF: A

40. The placenta connects the

a. fetus to the mothers uterus.
b. ectoderm to the endoderm.
ANS: A

DIF: B

REF: p. 1019

OBJ: 39.4.3

c. umbilical cord to the mothers vagina.

d. uterus to the cervix.
REF: p. 1019

OBJ: 39.4.3

41. If a woman is exposed to HIV during her pregnancy, the

a. placenta will protect the fetus from the HIV viruses.
b. HIV viruses can cross the placenta and harm the fetus.
c. HIV viruses could harm the placenta.
d. fetus will probably recover quickly from the disease.
ANS: B

DIF: E

REF: p. 1020

OBJ: 39.4.3

42. Which of the following is characteristic of infancy?

a. Teeth appear.
b. Puberty begins.
c. The first signs of aging appear.
d. An individual reaches 70 percent of her or his adult height.
ANS: A

DIF: A

REF: p. 1023

OBJ: 39.4.4

43. Which stage of the human life cycle occurs first?

a. puberty
c. adolescence
b. adulthood
d. childhood
ANS: D

DIF: B

REF: p. 1023

OBJ: 39.4.4

44. Which of the following usually develop(s) during childhood?

a. personality
b. social skills
c. long bones, to 80 percent of adult height
d. all of the above
ANS: D

DIF: E

REF: p. 1023

OBJ: 39.4.4

45. All of the following usually occur during adolescence EXCEPT

a. a growth spurt.
b. secondary sex characteristics.
c. puberty.
d. the appearance of first permanent teeth.
ANS: D

DIF: E

REF: p. 1024

OBJ: 39.4.4

MODIFIED TRUE/FALSE
1. The endocrine system carries out its job by releasing target cells into the bloodstream.
_________________________
ANS: F, hormones
DIF: B

REF: p. 997

OBJ: 39.1.1

2. Exocrine glands release their secretions into the bloodstream. _________________________

ANS: F, Endocrine
DIF: B

REF: p. 998

OBJ: 39.1.2

STO: 12.A.4.b

3. A nonsteroid hormone enters a target cell by passing across its cell membrane.
_________________________
ANS: F, steroid
DIF: A

REF: p. 999

OBJ: 39.1.2

4. Thyroxine inhibits the secretion of TSH by the anterior pituitary gland, which maintains homeostasis.
_________________________
ANS: T
OBJ: 39.1.3

DIF: E

REF: p. 1000

5. The parathyroid glands secrete hormones that help the body deal with stress.
______________________________
ANS: F, adrenal glands
DIF: A

REF: p. 1006

OBJ: 39.2.1

6. The highest level of physical strength and development occurs during adolescence.
_________________________
ANS: F, adulthood
DIF: A

REF: p. 1024

OBJ: 39.4.4

7. If a persons thyroid gland is removed surgically and hormone supplements are not taken, the person
will probably lack energy, feel cold, and gain weight. _________________________

ANS: T
OBJ: 39.2.1

DIF: E

REF: p. 1005

8. During puberty the reproductive system becomes fully functional. _________________________

ANS: T
OBJ: 39.3.1

DIF: B

REF: p. 1009

STO: 12.A.4.b

9. The male reproductive system and the female reproductive system develop from the same tissues in
the embryo. _________________________
ANS: T
OBJ: 39.3.1

DIF: A

REF: p. 1009

STO: 12.A.4.b

10. A female is born with immature eggs and does not produce any new eggs during her lifetime.
_________________________
ANS: T
OBJ: 39.3.2

DIF: A

REF: p. 1012

STO: 12.A.4.b

11. In a 28-day menstrual cycle, menstruation usually begins on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle.
_________________________
ANS: F, first
DIF: E

REF: p. 1014

OBJ: 39.3.3

STO: 12.A.4.b

12. The process of a sperm joining an egg is called gastrulation. _________________________

ANS: F, fertilization
DIF: B

REF: p. 1016

OBJ: 39.4.1

13. If the primary germ layers fail to form normally during gastrulation, the embryo could develop
misshapen organs. _________________________
ANS: T
OBJ: 39.4.2

DIF: E

REF: p. 1018

14. If the placenta were to detach from the mothers uterus early, the embryo would stop receiving food
and oxygen. _________________________
ANS: T
OBJ: 39.4.3

DIF: E

REF: p. 1019

15. Infancy ends at about two years of age. _________________________

ANS: T
OBJ: 39.4.4
COMPLETION

DIF: B

REF: p. 1023

1. The ____________________ system is made up of glands that release their products into the
____________________.
ANS: endocrine, bloodstream
DIF: A

REF: p. 997

OBJ: 39.1.1

2. ____________________ are chemicals that travel through the bloodstream and affect the activities of
other cells.
ANS: Hormones
DIF: B

REF: p. 997

OBJ: 39.1.2

3. Feedback ____________________ occurs when an increase in any substance inhibits the process that
produced the substance.
ANS: inhibition
DIF: B

REF: p. 1000

OBJ: 39.1.3

Figure 391
4. If the structure labeled ____________________ in Figure 391 produces too much of its hormone, the
result is nervousness, elevated body temperature, and weight loss.
ANS: G
DIF: E
STO: 12.A.4.b

REF: p. 998, p. 1005

OBJ:

39.2.1

5. If a childs diet lacks iodine, the ____________________ gland cannot produce its hormone and the
child is likely to develop a condition called ____________________.
ANS: thyroid, cretinism
DIF: E

REF: p. 1005

OBJ: 39.2.1

6. ____________________ is a period of rapid growth and sexual maturation during which the
reproductive system becomes fully functional.
ANS: Puberty
DIF: B

REF: p. 1009

OBJ: 39.3.1

STO: 12.A.4.b

7. In the female body, each egg is surrounded by a ____________________, which breaks open when the
egg is mature.
ANS: follicle
DIF: B

REF: p. 1012

OBJ: 39.3.2

STO: 12.A.4.b

8. If the temperature of the scrotum increases by 5 Celsius, ____________________ may not develop
properly.
ANS: sperm
DIF: E

REF: p. 1010

OBJ: 39.3.2

STO: 12.A.4.b

9. The shortest phase of the menstrual cycle is ____________________.

ANS: ovulation
DIF: A

REF: p. 1013

OBJ: 39.3.3

STO: 12.A.4.b

10. The testes are contained in an external sac called the _________________________.
ANS: scrotum
DIF: A

REF: p. 1010

OBJ: 39.3.2

STO: 12.A.4.b

11. If a woman is not ovulating, there is no chance of ____________________.

ANS:
fertilization
pregnancy
DIF: E

REF: p. 1016

OBJ: 39.4.1

12. During ____________________, three germ layers form. They are called ____________________,
ectoderm, and mesoderm.
ANS: gastrulation, endoderm

DIF: A

REF: p. 1018

OBJ: 39.4.2

13. Almost everything that the mother takes into her body passes through the ____________________ to
the embryo.
ANS: placenta
DIF: B

REF: p. 1019

OBJ: 39.4.3

14. A problem with the ____________________ can disrupt an embryos respiration, nourishment, and
excretion.
ANS: placenta
DIF: A

REF: p. 1019

OBJ: 39.4.3

15. The life cycle after birth is as follows: infancy, ____________________, adolescence, and
____________________.
ANS: childhood, adulthood
DIF: E

REF: p. 1023, p. 1024

OBJ: 39.4.4

SHORT ANSWER
1. What is the function of the endocrine system?
ANS:
The endocrine system releases hormones, which broadcast messages throughout the body.
DIF: B

REF: p. 997

OBJ: 39.1.1

2. How do the nervous and endocrine systems differ in the way they help to maintain homeostasis?
ANS:
To help maintain homeostasis, the nervous system sends impulses quickly through nerve fibers to
specific parts of the body, while the endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream to all the
tissues of the body, effecting changes only in target cells.
DIF: E

REF: p. 997

OBJ: 39.1.1

3. Compare endocrine glands and exocrine glands. Give an example of each kind of gland.
ANS:
Endocrine glands (such as the pituitary, parathyroid, adrenal, or thyroid glands) secrete hormones into
the bloodstream, whereas exocrine glands (such as those that secrete sweat, tears, and digestive juices)
make their secretions through ducts.
DIF: A

REF: p. 998

OBJ: 39.1.2

STO: 12.A.4.b

4. What are prostaglandins? How are they different from true hormones?

ANS:
Prostaglandins are hormonelike substances that are produced by a wide range of cells. Unlike
hormones, they usually affect only nearby cells and tissues.
DIF: A

REF: p. 1000

OBJ: 39.1.2

5. Give an example of how the endocrine system maintains homeostasis.

ANS:
Students should list a feedback mechanism, such as the feedback inhibition that controls metabolism or
the one that controls water balance in the body.
DIF: A

REF: p. 1000

OBJ: 39.1.3

6. Explain why the body of an athlete who takes an artificial form of testosterone, such as a steroid,
might stop producing its own testosterone.
ANS:
The pituitary gland would perceive the elevated level of testosterone in the blood and stop releasing
LH, which would decrease the gonads own production of testosterone.
DIF: E

REF: p. 1003

OBJ: 39.2.1

Figure 391
7. Which glands are labeled C in Figure 391? What is the main function of these glands?
ANS:
These are the parathyroid glands, which regulate the amount of calcium in the blood.
DIF: B

REF: p. 1005

OBJ: 39.2.1

8. What determines whether a human embryo will develop into a male or a female?

ANS:
Hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, determine whether a human embryo will develop into a
male or a female.
DIF: E

REF: p. 1009

OBJ: 39.3.1

STO: 12.A.4.b

9. List the structures that sperm will pass through from the time they are produced until they are expelled
from the male body.
ANS:
Sperm are produced in the seminiferous tubules. From there, they travel through the epididymis, vas
deferens, and urethra.
DIF: A
STO: 12.A.4.b

REF: p. 1010, p. 1011

OBJ: 39.3.2

10. What are the four phases of the menstrual cycle called?
ANS:
The four phases are: follicular phase, ovulation, luteal phase, menstruation.
DIF: B

REF: p. 1013

OBJ: 39.3.3

STO: 12.A.4.b

11. Which structures will sperm pass through in the male and female bodies on their way to fertilizing an
egg?
ANS:
In the male body, sperm travel from the seminiferous tubules in the testes through the epididymis, vas
deferens, and urethra. Sperm enter the female body through the vagina and swim through the cervix,
into the uterus, and into the Fallopian tubes.
DIF: E
STO: 12.A.4.b

REF: p. 1011, p. 1016

OBJ: 39.4.1

12. Many sperm will take the same path toward fertilizing an egg. What prevents more than one sperm
from fertilizing an egg?
ANS:
Once a sperm nucleus has entered the egg, the cell membrane of the egg cell changes, preventing other
sperm from entering the cell.
DIF: A

REF: p. 1017

OBJ: 39.4.1

13. List the three germ layers that result from gastrulation.
ANS:
The germ layers that result from gastrulation are called endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm.
DIF: B

REF: p. 1018

OBJ: 39.4.2

14. Sometimes during pregnancy, the placenta forms over the cervix. Why might this be a serious
condition for the mother and fetus?

ANS:
Sample answer: If the placenta completely covers the cervix, it could make it difficult for the baby to
be born normally (through the vagina) without problems; for example, the placenta could be
compressed as the baby tries to exit the uterus, making it difficult for oxygen and nutrients to continue
to reach the baby.
DIF: E

REF: p. 1019, p. 1022

OBJ: 39.4.3

15. Name and describe one of the four stages that follow birth.
ANS:
Any one of the following: (1) During infancy, a baby learns to walk and talk. (2) During childhood,
language and motor coordination are perfected. (3) Puberty begins adolescence and sexual maturity.
(4) Signs of aging begin to appear and childbearing ends in adulthood.
DIF: B

REF: p. 1023, p. 1024

OBJ: 39.4.4

OTHER
USING SCIENCE SKILLS

Figure 392
1. Interpreting Graphics What does Figure 392 show?
ANS:
Sample answer: It shows the feedback mechanism that controls the thyroid gland.
DIF: A

REF: p. 1000

OBJ: 39.1.3

2. Interpreting Graphics Based on Figure 392, what happens as the level of thyroxine increases in the
blood?
ANS:

High thyroxine levels inhibit the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary, so that less TRH and TSH
are released.
DIF: A

REF: p. 1000

OBJ: 39.1.3

3. Inferring Based on Figure 392, which hormone directly stimulates target cells in the body?
ANS:
thyroxine
DIF: A

REF: p. 1000

OBJ: 39.1.3

4. Predicting Give an example of how Figure 392 would change to show a person who has
hyperthyroidism. What are some symptoms of this condition?
ANS:
Sample answer: Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much
thyroxine; thus, any change to Figure 392 (such as a failure of any of the glands or hormones to do
their jobs) that shows an overproduction of thyroxine is a correct response. Hyperthyroidism is
characterized by nervousness, elevated body temperature, increased heart and metabolic rates,
increased blood pressure, and weight loss.
DIF: A

REF: p. 1005

OBJ: 39.2.1

5. Applying Concepts Look at Figure 392. How will the three endocrine glands shown behave on a
cold day, when the body needs a higher level of metabolic activity to stay warm?
ANS:
Sample answer: The hypothalamus is sensitive both to temperature and to the level of thyroxine in the
blood. When body temperature decreases, such as on a cold day, the hypothalamus will produce more
TRH even if the level of thyroxine doesnt stimulate it to do so. TRH will stimulate the anterior
pituitary to produce more TSH, and more thyroxine will be released into the blood stream, speeding up
metabolism and increasing body temperature.
DIF: A

REF: p. 1001

OBJ: 39.1.3

USING SCIENCE SKILLS

Figure 393
6. Comparing and Contrasting Which body systems do diagrams I and II in Figure 393 show?
ANS:

Diagram I is the female reproductive system. Diagram II is the male reproductive system.
DIF: B
STO: 12.A.4.b

REF: p. 1010, p. 1012

OBJ: 39.3.2

7. Interpreting Graphics Which structure in Figure 393 releases eggs? What is this structure called?
ANS:
The ovarystructure Areleases eggs.
DIF: B

REF: p. 1012

OBJ: 39.3.2

STO: 12.A.4.b

8. Interpreting Graphics Where does fertilization typically occur? Give the letter of the structure in
Figure 393.
ANS:
Fertilization usually occurs in a Fallopian tube. Structure F indicates a Fallopian tube.
DIF: B
STO: 12.A.4.b

REF: p. 1012, p. 1016

OBJ: 39.4.1

9. Interpreting Graphics Which structure in Figure 393 produces sperm? Give both the name and the
letter of this structure.
ANS:
Sperm are formed in the testis, structure K.
DIF: B

REF: p. 1010

OBJ: 39.3.2

STO: 12.A.4.b

10. Interpreting Graphics Through which structure do sperm exit the male body? Give both the name
and the letter of the structure in Figure 393.
ANS:
Sperm exit the male body through the urethra, structure L.
DIF: B
STO: 12.A.4.b

REF: p. 1010, p. 1011

USING SCIENCE SKILLS

OBJ: 39.3.2

Figure 394
11. Interpreting Graphics To which phases of the menstrual cycle do the letters A, B, C, and D in Figure
394 correspond?
ANS:
AMenstruation; BFollicular phase; COvulation; DLuteal phase
DIF: E

REF: p. 1014

OBJ: 39.3.3

STO: 12.A.4.b

12. Using Tables and Graphs On which day or days in the cycle shown in Figure 394 is fertilization
most likely to occur?
ANS:
Fertilization is most likely to occur on the first two days following ovulation, which would be days 15
and 16 in the cycle shown.
DIF: E

REF: p. 1014

OBJ: 39.3.3

STO: 12.A.4.b

13. Comparing and Contrasting Compare the peaks of estrogen, LH, and FSH in Figure 394. When
does estrogen reach its peak compared with the peaks of the pituitary hormones?
ANS:
Estrogen peaks about 2.5 days before the pituitary hormones do.
DIF: E

REF: p. 1014

OBJ: 39.3.3

STO: 12.A.4.b

14. Inferring When during the cycle shown in Figure 394 does a woman menstruate?
ANS:
A woman menstruates during phase A, days 15.

DIF: E

REF: p. 1014

OBJ: 39.3.3

STO: 12.A.4.b

15. Predicting How would the curve of progesterone levels in Figure 394 change if the egg were
fertilized?
ANS:
The curve showing the level of progesterone in the blood would remain high if the egg were fertilized.
DIF: E

REF: p. 1014

OBJ: 39.3.3

STO: 12.A.4.b

ESSAY
1. Compare and contrast the ways that steroid and nonsteroid hormones act on target cells.
ANS:
Steroid hormones, which are made of lipids, move across the cell membranes of target cells. Once
inside, a steroid hormone binds to a steroid receptor protein, forming a hormone-receptor complex.
This hormone-receptor complex enters the cells nucleus and binds to a DNA control sequence, which
initiates transcription of specific genes. Protein synthesis of the specific sequences then occurs in the
cytoplasm. In contrast, nonsteroid hormones cannot pass through the cell membranes of their target
cells. Nonsteroid hormones bind to receptors on the cell membranes, activating an enzyme on the inner
surface of the cell membranes. This enzyme activates a second messenger. The second messenger then
activates or inhibits cell activities.
DIF: E

REF: p. 999

OBJ: 39.1.2

2. Explain how feedback controls regulate the bodys metabolism.

ANS:
The thyroid gland secretes the hormone thyroxine, which regulates metabolism. If the concentration of
thyroxine in the blood falls below a certain level, the hypothalamus responds by secreting TRH (a
releasing hormone). TRH stimulates the anterior lobe of the pituitary to secrete thyroid-stimulating
hormone (TSH), which stimulates the thyroid to produce thyroxine. The increasing level of thyroxine
in the blood inhibits the hypothalamus from producing TRH. This, in turn, inhibits the production of
TSH and decreases the stimulation of the thyroid.
DIF: A

REF: p. 1000

OBJ: 39.1.3

3. Identify functions of the hormones released by the pituitary gland. What controls the release of these
hormones?
ANS:
The hormones released by the pituitary gland regulate many bodily functions. In addition, they control
the actions of several endocrine glands. The hypothalamus controls the release of these pituitary
hormones.
DIF: A

REF: p. 1003

4. Describe the action of nonsteroid hormones.

ANS:

OBJ: 39.2.1

Nonsteroid hormones generally do not enter the target cell. Rather, they bind to receptors on the cell
membrane, and this action activates enzymes on the inner surface of the cell membrane. These
enzymes activate secondary messengers that carry the message of the hormone inside the cell. Once
released, these secondary messengers can activate or inhibit a wide range of other cell activities.
DIF: A

REF: p. 999

OBJ: 39.1.2

5. Trace the path of an egg from its follicle. How does the path of a fertilized egg differ from that of an
unfertilized egg?
ANS:
An egg is first released from its follicle and is swept away from the ovary into the Fallopian tube. If
the egg is fertilized in the Fallopian tube, it will travel into the uterus, become implanted in the uterine
wall, and develop into a fetus. An unfertilized egg will pass through the uterus, the cervix, and the
vagina. It will exit the body through the vagina during menstruation.
DIF: E
STO: 12.A.4.b

REF: p. 1012, p. 1013

OBJ: 39.3.2

6. Once sperm enter the female reproductive system, they usually live for only 12 to 48 hours. Why cant
sperm live as long inside the female body as they can inside the male body? What effect does this have
on fertilization?
ANS:
Sample answer: Sperm are stored in the scrotum of the male body, which is lower in temperature than
the rest of the male body or the inside of the female body. The higher temperature limits the life of
sperm inside the female body and shortens the period of time during which fertilization can occur.
DIF: E

REF: p. 1010

OBJ: 39.3.2

STO: 12.A.4.b

7. Starting with the follicular phase, identify the hormones that are produced during the females
menstrual cycle. Give the function of each hormone.
ANS:
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) causes follicicles to develop in the ovary. As the follicle develops,
it secretes estrogen, which stimulates the uterine lining to thicken. A high level of estrogen in the blood
causes the pituitary to decrease the secretion of FSH and begin the secretion of luteinizing hormone
(LH). As the FSH concentration decreases, LH reaches the ovary and stimulates ovulation. In addition,
LH causes the broken follicle to fill with cells and form the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum secretes
progesterone, which continues the growth of the uterine lining and also inhibits the release of FSH.
DIF: E
STO: 12.A.4.b

REF: p. 1013, p. 1014

OBJ: 39.3.3

8. Spina bifida is a common birth defect in which the vertebrae of an embryo fail to close during the first
month of development. How might gastrulation be related to spina bifida? Describe gastrulation in
your answer.
ANS:
Sample answer: Gastrulation is a process of cell migration that results in the formation of three germ
layers during the first month of pregnancy. From these germ layers, all the organs and tissues of the
embryo develop. A problem in gastrulation could cause incomplete or improper development of certain
organs, such as incomplete closure and development of the spine, which results in spina bifida.

DIF: E

REF: p. 1018

OBJ: 39.4.2

9. What is puberty?
ANS:
Puberty is a period of rapid growth and sexual maturation during which the reproductive system
becomes fully functional. Before this time, neither testes nor ovaries are capable of producing active
reproductive cells. At the completion of puberty, however, the male and female gonads are fully
developed.
DIF: A

REF: p. 1009

OBJ: 39.3.1

STO: 12.A.4.b

10. Why is the reproductive system the least important body system to the individual but the most
important to the species?
ANS:
An individual can live a healthy life without reproducing, whereas the failure of any other system
would probably be fatal. Without the reproductive system, however, no species could produce another
generation.
DIF: A

REF: p. 1009

OBJ: 39.3.1

STO: 12.A.4.b