Human Reproduction Question 349
Which one of the following is the most likely root cause for menstruation not taking place at regular intervals in human females?
Options:
A) Maintenance of the hypertrophied endometrial lining.
B) Maintenance of high concentration of sex hormones in the blood stream.
C) Retention of well-developed corpus luteum.
D) Fertilisation of the ovum.
Show Answer
Answer:
Correct Answer: D
Solution:
Fertilisation of ovum is the most likely root cause for menstruation not taking place in a regular cycle in human females.
In order for fertilisation to occur, one sperm must attach itself to the ovum and penetrate its outer surface.
The fertilised ovum will then continue travelling down the fallopian tube, taking several days until it reaches the uterus.
When it arrives, it attaches itself to the lining of the uterus and continues to grow.
If the ovum is not fertilised, it will die and the levels of progesterone and oestrogen hormone will drop.
Without these hormones, the prepared uterus lining breaks up and is released through the vagina.
This is known as a ‘period’.
BETA
