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ALS 3304
ALS 3304 EXAM 3 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (NEW 2026/2027)
Question 1
Following ovulation, the transformation of follicular cells into luteal tissue is a critical
process for reproductive cyclicity. This process is known as:
A. Luteolysis
B. Folliculogenesis
C. Luteinization
D. Atresia
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Luteinization is the post-ovulatory conversion of the granulosa and theca cells
from the ruptured follicle into the steroidogenic large and small luteal cells that form
the corpus luteum.
Question 2
If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum must regress to allow for a new estrous
cycle. This regression process is termed:
A. Fertilization
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B. Luteolysis
C. Ovulation
D. Capacitation
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Luteolysis is the physiological process of corpus luteum degeneration, leading
to a drop in progesterone and the resumption of follicular development.
Question 3
Progesterone, secreted by the corpus luteum, exerts several key effects on the female
reproductive system. Which of the following are primary actions of progesterone?
(Select all that apply.)
A. Promotes behavioral estrus (sexual receptivity)
B. Affects basal LH secretion via negative feedback
C. Prevents estrus (inhibits sexual receptivity)
D. Stops the preovulatory LH surge
E. Reduces myometrial tone (quiets the uterus)
CORRECT ANSWER: B, C, D, E
Rationale: Progesterone's main roles are to maintain a uterine environment conducive
to pregnancy and prevent another ovulation. It suppresses GnRH/LH secretion (B, D),
inhibits behavioral estrus (C), and decreases uterine contractility (E).
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Question 4
The functional health and progesterone-secreting capacity (vigor) of the corpus luteum
is most dependent on which two factors?
A. The size of the original oocyte and ambient temperature.
B. The number of luteal cells and the extent of vascularization.
C. The level of FSH during its formation and the age of the female.
D. The duration of estrus and the number of sperm present.
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: A robust CL requires a high number of functional steroidogenic cells and a
rich capillary network to supply cholesterol (substrate) and remove secretory products.
Poor cell number or vascularization leads to weak progesterone output.
Question 5
The sequence of endocrine events leading to luteolysis in ruminants involves a positive
feedback loop. Place the following initial steps in the correct order:
1. Oxytocin binds to endometrial receptors, stimulating PGF2α release.
2. Progesterone (P4) loses its ability to suppress uterine oxytocin receptor
formation.
3. Estradiol (E2) upregulates oxytocin receptors in the endometrium.
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4. PGF2α acts on the CL, which in turn releases more oxytocin.
A. 2, 3, 1, 4
B. 1, 2, 3, 4
C. 3, 2, 4, 1
D. 4, 1, 3, 2
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Luteolysis begins as progesterone inhibition wanes (2), allowing
estrogen to promote oxytocin receptor expression (3). Oxytocin then stimulates
PGF2α secretion (1), which both lyses the CL and stimulates further ovarian
oxytocin release (4), creating a positive feedback loop.
Question 6
Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) is the primary luteolysin in many species. To reach the ovary
effectively without being metabolized, it is transported via:
A. Systemic circulation through the heart and lungs.
B. Local countercurrent exchange from the uterine vein to the ovarian artery.
C. Lymphatic vessels directly connecting the uterus and ovary.
D. Neural pathways from the uterine endometrium.
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: PGF2α is rapidly metabolized in the lungs. A local countercurrent exchange
ALS 3304
ALS 3304
ALS 3304 EXAM 3 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (NEW 2026/2027)
Question 1
Following ovulation, the transformation of follicular cells into luteal tissue is a critical
process for reproductive cyclicity. This process is known as:
A. Luteolysis
B. Folliculogenesis
C. Luteinization
D. Atresia
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Luteinization is the post-ovulatory conversion of the granulosa and theca cells
from the ruptured follicle into the steroidogenic large and small luteal cells that form
the corpus luteum.
Question 2
If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum must regress to allow for a new estrous
cycle. This regression process is termed:
A. Fertilization
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B. Luteolysis
C. Ovulation
D. Capacitation
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Luteolysis is the physiological process of corpus luteum degeneration, leading
to a drop in progesterone and the resumption of follicular development.
Question 3
Progesterone, secreted by the corpus luteum, exerts several key effects on the female
reproductive system. Which of the following are primary actions of progesterone?
(Select all that apply.)
A. Promotes behavioral estrus (sexual receptivity)
B. Affects basal LH secretion via negative feedback
C. Prevents estrus (inhibits sexual receptivity)
D. Stops the preovulatory LH surge
E. Reduces myometrial tone (quiets the uterus)
CORRECT ANSWER: B, C, D, E
Rationale: Progesterone's main roles are to maintain a uterine environment conducive
to pregnancy and prevent another ovulation. It suppresses GnRH/LH secretion (B, D),
inhibits behavioral estrus (C), and decreases uterine contractility (E).
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Question 4
The functional health and progesterone-secreting capacity (vigor) of the corpus luteum
is most dependent on which two factors?
A. The size of the original oocyte and ambient temperature.
B. The number of luteal cells and the extent of vascularization.
C. The level of FSH during its formation and the age of the female.
D. The duration of estrus and the number of sperm present.
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: A robust CL requires a high number of functional steroidogenic cells and a
rich capillary network to supply cholesterol (substrate) and remove secretory products.
Poor cell number or vascularization leads to weak progesterone output.
Question 5
The sequence of endocrine events leading to luteolysis in ruminants involves a positive
feedback loop. Place the following initial steps in the correct order:
1. Oxytocin binds to endometrial receptors, stimulating PGF2α release.
2. Progesterone (P4) loses its ability to suppress uterine oxytocin receptor
formation.
3. Estradiol (E2) upregulates oxytocin receptors in the endometrium.
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4. PGF2α acts on the CL, which in turn releases more oxytocin.
A. 2, 3, 1, 4
B. 1, 2, 3, 4
C. 3, 2, 4, 1
D. 4, 1, 3, 2
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Luteolysis begins as progesterone inhibition wanes (2), allowing
estrogen to promote oxytocin receptor expression (3). Oxytocin then stimulates
PGF2α secretion (1), which both lyses the CL and stimulates further ovarian
oxytocin release (4), creating a positive feedback loop.
Question 6
Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) is the primary luteolysin in many species. To reach the ovary
effectively without being metabolized, it is transported via:
A. Systemic circulation through the heart and lungs.
B. Local countercurrent exchange from the uterine vein to the ovarian artery.
C. Lymphatic vessels directly connecting the uterus and ovary.
D. Neural pathways from the uterine endometrium.
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: PGF2α is rapidly metabolized in the lungs. A local countercurrent exchange
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