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BIO 202L LAB 18 WORKSHEET 2026/2027 | The
Reproductive System - Gonads, Gametogenesis &
Hormonal Regulation | Complete Answers | Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: Male Reproductive System - Gross Anatomy (Q1-18)
Q1. A 25-year-old male presents with testicular pain after trauma. During surgical
exploration, the surgeon notes a tough fibrous capsule surrounding the testis. Which
structure is described?
A. Tunica vaginalis
B. Tunica albuginea
C. Tunica dartos
D. Cremasteric fascia
Rationale: B. Tunica albuginea [CORRECT] — The tunica albuginea is the dense
white fibrous capsule directly surrounding each testis, providing structural support
and dividing the testis into lobules. The tunica vaginalis is the outer serous covering
derived from peritoneum, while the dartos and cremasteric fascia are scrotal wall
structures.
Correct Answer: B
Q2. A histology slide shows a cross-section of a testis with numerous coiled tubules
containing cells at various stages of division. These tubules are responsible for sperm
production. What are these structures?
A. Straight tubules
B. Efferent ductules
C. Seminiferous tubules
D. Epididymal ducts
Rationale: C. Seminiferous tubules [CORRECT] — Seminiferous tubules are the site
of spermatogenesis, lined by a stratified germinal epithelium containing
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spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and Sertoli cells. Straight tubules connect
seminiferous tubules to the rete testis, while efferent ductules connect the rete testis
to the epididymis.
Correct Answer: C
Q3. A patient with hypogonadism has low testosterone levels. Laboratory analysis
reveals deficient luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulation of specific testicular cells.
Which cells normally produce testosterone in response to LH?
A. Sertoli cells
B. Spermatogonia
C. Interstitial cells of Leydig
D. Myoid cells
Rationale: C. Interstitial cells of Leydig [CORRECT] — Leydig cells (interstitial
endocrine cells) reside in the interstitial tissue between seminiferous tubules and
synthesize testosterone when stimulated by LH from the anterior pituitary. Sertoli
cells respond to FSH, not LH, and support spermatogenesis rather than producing
testosterone.
Correct Answer: C
Q4. During spermatogenesis, tight junctions between adjacent Sertoli cells form a
protective barrier that prevents autoimmune destruction of developing sperm. What
is this structure called?
A. Blood-epididymis barrier
B. Blood-testis barrier
C. Seminiferous epithelial barrier
D. Spermatic immune shield
Rationale: B. Blood-testis barrier [CORRECT] — The blood-testis barrier is formed by
tight junctions between Sertoli cells, separating the basal compartment (containing
,3
spermatogonia) from the adluminal compartment (containing meiotic and post-
meiotic germ cells). This barrier protects antigenically distinct sperm from
autoimmune attack and maintains a specialized microenvironment for
spermatogenesis.
Correct Answer: B
Q5. A 30-year-old male undergoes vasectomy. The surgeon identifies and ligates a
structure that serves as the site of sperm maturation, storage, and acquisition of
motility. Which structure is this?
A. Ductus deferens
B. Epididymis
C. Seminal vesicle
D. Ejaculatory duct
Rationale: B. Epididymis [CORRECT] — The epididymis consists of a head (caput),
body (corpus), and tail (cauda). Sperm spend 2-3 weeks here gaining motility and
fertilizing capacity. The ductus deferens transports sperm but does not mature them,
while seminal vesicles and ejaculatory ducts are accessory gland structures distal to
the epididymis.
Correct Answer: B
Q6. A surgical anatomy question asks about the contents of the spermatic cord.
Which of the following is NOT a normal component of the spermatic cord?
A. Ductus deferens
B. Testicular artery
C. Pampiniform plexus
D. Prostatic venous plexus
Rationale: D. Prostatic venous plexus [CORRECT] — The prostatic venous plexus
surrounds the prostate gland in the pelvic cavity and is not part of the spermatic
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cord. The spermatic cord contains the ductus deferens, testicular artery, pampiniform
plexus (venous drainage), cremaster muscle, genital branch of the genitofemoral
nerve, lymphatic vessels, and autonomic nerves.
Correct Answer: D
Q7. A 28-year-old male presents with infertility. Semen analysis reveals low fructose
levels. Which accessory gland, responsible for producing 60-70% of seminal volume
and secreting fructose, is likely dysfunctional?
A. Prostate gland
B. Bulbourethral glands
C. Seminal vesicles
D. Preputial glands
Rationale: C. Seminal vesicles [CORRECT] — The paired seminal vesicles contribute
60-70% of seminal fluid volume and secrete fructose (energy source for sperm),
prostaglandins (promote sperm motility and cervical mucus changes), and clotting
proteins. The prostate contributes 25-30% of volume but does not produce fructose;
bulbourethral glands produce pre-ejaculate.
Correct Answer: C
Q8. A digital rectal examination reveals an enlarged prostate in a 65-year-old male.
The prostate contributes approximately what percentage of total semen volume?
A. 5-10%
B. 25-30%
C. 60-70%
D. 85-90%
Rationale: B. 25-30% [CORRECT] — The prostate gland contributes 25-30% of
seminal fluid volume, secreting citric acid, acid phosphatase, prostate-specific
BIO 202L LAB 18 WORKSHEET 2026/2027 | The
Reproductive System - Gonads, Gametogenesis &
Hormonal Regulation | Complete Answers | Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: Male Reproductive System - Gross Anatomy (Q1-18)
Q1. A 25-year-old male presents with testicular pain after trauma. During surgical
exploration, the surgeon notes a tough fibrous capsule surrounding the testis. Which
structure is described?
A. Tunica vaginalis
B. Tunica albuginea
C. Tunica dartos
D. Cremasteric fascia
Rationale: B. Tunica albuginea [CORRECT] — The tunica albuginea is the dense
white fibrous capsule directly surrounding each testis, providing structural support
and dividing the testis into lobules. The tunica vaginalis is the outer serous covering
derived from peritoneum, while the dartos and cremasteric fascia are scrotal wall
structures.
Correct Answer: B
Q2. A histology slide shows a cross-section of a testis with numerous coiled tubules
containing cells at various stages of division. These tubules are responsible for sperm
production. What are these structures?
A. Straight tubules
B. Efferent ductules
C. Seminiferous tubules
D. Epididymal ducts
Rationale: C. Seminiferous tubules [CORRECT] — Seminiferous tubules are the site
of spermatogenesis, lined by a stratified germinal epithelium containing
,2
spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and Sertoli cells. Straight tubules connect
seminiferous tubules to the rete testis, while efferent ductules connect the rete testis
to the epididymis.
Correct Answer: C
Q3. A patient with hypogonadism has low testosterone levels. Laboratory analysis
reveals deficient luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulation of specific testicular cells.
Which cells normally produce testosterone in response to LH?
A. Sertoli cells
B. Spermatogonia
C. Interstitial cells of Leydig
D. Myoid cells
Rationale: C. Interstitial cells of Leydig [CORRECT] — Leydig cells (interstitial
endocrine cells) reside in the interstitial tissue between seminiferous tubules and
synthesize testosterone when stimulated by LH from the anterior pituitary. Sertoli
cells respond to FSH, not LH, and support spermatogenesis rather than producing
testosterone.
Correct Answer: C
Q4. During spermatogenesis, tight junctions between adjacent Sertoli cells form a
protective barrier that prevents autoimmune destruction of developing sperm. What
is this structure called?
A. Blood-epididymis barrier
B. Blood-testis barrier
C. Seminiferous epithelial barrier
D. Spermatic immune shield
Rationale: B. Blood-testis barrier [CORRECT] — The blood-testis barrier is formed by
tight junctions between Sertoli cells, separating the basal compartment (containing
,3
spermatogonia) from the adluminal compartment (containing meiotic and post-
meiotic germ cells). This barrier protects antigenically distinct sperm from
autoimmune attack and maintains a specialized microenvironment for
spermatogenesis.
Correct Answer: B
Q5. A 30-year-old male undergoes vasectomy. The surgeon identifies and ligates a
structure that serves as the site of sperm maturation, storage, and acquisition of
motility. Which structure is this?
A. Ductus deferens
B. Epididymis
C. Seminal vesicle
D. Ejaculatory duct
Rationale: B. Epididymis [CORRECT] — The epididymis consists of a head (caput),
body (corpus), and tail (cauda). Sperm spend 2-3 weeks here gaining motility and
fertilizing capacity. The ductus deferens transports sperm but does not mature them,
while seminal vesicles and ejaculatory ducts are accessory gland structures distal to
the epididymis.
Correct Answer: B
Q6. A surgical anatomy question asks about the contents of the spermatic cord.
Which of the following is NOT a normal component of the spermatic cord?
A. Ductus deferens
B. Testicular artery
C. Pampiniform plexus
D. Prostatic venous plexus
Rationale: D. Prostatic venous plexus [CORRECT] — The prostatic venous plexus
surrounds the prostate gland in the pelvic cavity and is not part of the spermatic
, 4
cord. The spermatic cord contains the ductus deferens, testicular artery, pampiniform
plexus (venous drainage), cremaster muscle, genital branch of the genitofemoral
nerve, lymphatic vessels, and autonomic nerves.
Correct Answer: D
Q7. A 28-year-old male presents with infertility. Semen analysis reveals low fructose
levels. Which accessory gland, responsible for producing 60-70% of seminal volume
and secreting fructose, is likely dysfunctional?
A. Prostate gland
B. Bulbourethral glands
C. Seminal vesicles
D. Preputial glands
Rationale: C. Seminal vesicles [CORRECT] — The paired seminal vesicles contribute
60-70% of seminal fluid volume and secrete fructose (energy source for sperm),
prostaglandins (promote sperm motility and cervical mucus changes), and clotting
proteins. The prostate contributes 25-30% of volume but does not produce fructose;
bulbourethral glands produce pre-ejaculate.
Correct Answer: C
Q8. A digital rectal examination reveals an enlarged prostate in a 65-year-old male.
The prostate contributes approximately what percentage of total semen volume?
A. 5-10%
B. 25-30%
C. 60-70%
D. 85-90%
Rationale: B. 25-30% [CORRECT] — The prostate gland contributes 25-30% of
seminal fluid volume, secreting citric acid, acid phosphatase, prostate-specific
