,BIOL 252 Module 8 Exam | Human Anatomy &
Physiology II w/Lab Exam Q&A | Portage Learning
1. The primary function of Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules is to:
A) Produce testosterone
B) Secrete seminal fluid
C) Nourish and support developing sperm
D) Contract to move sperm through the ductus deferens
Correct Answer: C) Nourish and support developing sperm
Rationale: Sertoli cells provide structural and metabolic support for developing
spermatogenic cells, form the blood‑testis barrier, and secrete fluid to flush
sperm into the ducts. Leydig cells produce testosterone, not Sertoli cells.
2. Leydig cells are located in the testes and function to:
A) Produce sperm
B) Produce testosterone
C) Nourish developing sperm
D) Secrete alkaline mucus
Correct Answer: B) Produce testosterone
Rationale: Leydig (interstitial) cells reside between the seminiferous tubules and
secrete testosterone in response to LH. This hormone is essential for sperm
production and the development of male secondary sex characteristics.
,3. The site of sperm production is the:
A) Epididymis
B) Ductus deferens
C) Seminiferous tubules
D) Seminal vesicles
Correct Answer: C) Seminiferous tubules
Rationale: The seminiferous tubules, located within the testes, are where
spermatogenesis occurs. The epididymis stores and matures sperm; the ductus
deferens transports them; seminal vesicles add fluid.
4. Sperm mature and gain motility in the:
A) Seminiferous tubules
B) Prostate gland
C) Urethra
D) Epididymis
Correct Answer: D) Epididymis
Rationale: After leaving the seminiferous tubules, sperm enter the coiled
epididymis, where they undergo maturation over about 20 days, acquiring the
ability to swim and fertilize an egg before ejaculation.
5. The correct pathway of sperm from production to ejaculation is:
, A) Epididymis → seminiferous tubules → vas deferens → urethra
B) Seminiferous tubules → epididymis → vas deferens → ejaculatory duct →
urethra
C) Vas deferens → epididymis → seminiferous tubules → urethra
D) Seminiferous tubules → vas deferens → epididymis → urethra
Correct Answer: B) Seminiferous tubules → epididymis → vas deferens →
ejaculatory duct → urethra
Rationale: Sperm are produced in the seminiferous tubules, move to the
epididymis for maturation, travel through the ductus deferens, then the
ejaculatory duct, and finally exit via the urethra.
6. The acrosome of a sperm cell contains:
A) Mitochondria for energy
B) Enzymes to penetrate the oocyte
C) DNA
D) Lipids for membrane fusion
Correct Answer: B) Enzymes to penetrate the oocyte
Rationale: The acrosome is a cap‑like structure derived from the Golgi
apparatus, containing hydrolytic enzymes such as hyaluronidase and acrosin
that digest the zona pellucida of the oocyte, enabling fertilization.
7. The seminal vesicles secrete a fluid that:
Physiology II w/Lab Exam Q&A | Portage Learning
1. The primary function of Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules is to:
A) Produce testosterone
B) Secrete seminal fluid
C) Nourish and support developing sperm
D) Contract to move sperm through the ductus deferens
Correct Answer: C) Nourish and support developing sperm
Rationale: Sertoli cells provide structural and metabolic support for developing
spermatogenic cells, form the blood‑testis barrier, and secrete fluid to flush
sperm into the ducts. Leydig cells produce testosterone, not Sertoli cells.
2. Leydig cells are located in the testes and function to:
A) Produce sperm
B) Produce testosterone
C) Nourish developing sperm
D) Secrete alkaline mucus
Correct Answer: B) Produce testosterone
Rationale: Leydig (interstitial) cells reside between the seminiferous tubules and
secrete testosterone in response to LH. This hormone is essential for sperm
production and the development of male secondary sex characteristics.
,3. The site of sperm production is the:
A) Epididymis
B) Ductus deferens
C) Seminiferous tubules
D) Seminal vesicles
Correct Answer: C) Seminiferous tubules
Rationale: The seminiferous tubules, located within the testes, are where
spermatogenesis occurs. The epididymis stores and matures sperm; the ductus
deferens transports them; seminal vesicles add fluid.
4. Sperm mature and gain motility in the:
A) Seminiferous tubules
B) Prostate gland
C) Urethra
D) Epididymis
Correct Answer: D) Epididymis
Rationale: After leaving the seminiferous tubules, sperm enter the coiled
epididymis, where they undergo maturation over about 20 days, acquiring the
ability to swim and fertilize an egg before ejaculation.
5. The correct pathway of sperm from production to ejaculation is:
, A) Epididymis → seminiferous tubules → vas deferens → urethra
B) Seminiferous tubules → epididymis → vas deferens → ejaculatory duct →
urethra
C) Vas deferens → epididymis → seminiferous tubules → urethra
D) Seminiferous tubules → vas deferens → epididymis → urethra
Correct Answer: B) Seminiferous tubules → epididymis → vas deferens →
ejaculatory duct → urethra
Rationale: Sperm are produced in the seminiferous tubules, move to the
epididymis for maturation, travel through the ductus deferens, then the
ejaculatory duct, and finally exit via the urethra.
6. The acrosome of a sperm cell contains:
A) Mitochondria for energy
B) Enzymes to penetrate the oocyte
C) DNA
D) Lipids for membrane fusion
Correct Answer: B) Enzymes to penetrate the oocyte
Rationale: The acrosome is a cap‑like structure derived from the Golgi
apparatus, containing hydrolytic enzymes such as hyaluronidase and acrosin
that digest the zona pellucida of the oocyte, enabling fertilization.
7. The seminal vesicles secrete a fluid that:
