Functions of female reproductive system MCQs With Answer are essential for B. Pharm students to master reproductive physiology, hormonal regulation, and clinical pharmacology related to fertility, contraception, pregnancy and lactation. This concise, keyword-rich introduction reviews ovarian and uterine functions, endocrine control (GnRH, FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone), folliculogenesis, ovulation, implantation, placenta function and pharmacological interventions. Understanding these concepts helps in drug therapy design, teratology assessment, and maternal-fetal pharmacokinetics. The following focused MCQs will reinforce mechanisms, drug targets, and clinical implications, building solid foundations for pharmacy practice and exams. Now let’s test your knowledge with 50 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. Which of the following is a primary function of the female reproductive system?
- Production of spermatozoa
- Gametogenesis and hormone secretion to support pregnancy
- Detoxification of xenobiotics
- Regulation of calcium homeostasis
Correct Answer: Gametogenesis and hormone secretion to support pregnancy
Q2. During the ovarian cycle, which phase is characterized by follicular growth and estrogen secretion?
- Luteal phase
- Follicular phase
- Secretory phase
- Menstrual phase
Correct Answer: Follicular phase
Q3. Which hormone surge triggers ovulation?
- FSH surge
- Progesterone surge
- LH surge
- Prolactin surge
Correct Answer: LH surge
Q4. Which structure secretes progesterone after ovulation?
- Theca interna cells
- Granulosa cells before ovulation
- Corpus luteum
- Anterior pituitary
Correct Answer: Corpus luteum
Q5. Which test detects early pregnancy by measuring a hormone produced by the embryo?
- Serum estrogen assay
- hCG immunoassay
- Serum progesterone assay
- Urine LH test
Correct Answer: hCG immunoassay
Q6. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is commonly associated with which endocrine feature?
- Low androgens
- Anovulation and hyperandrogenism
- Excessive progesterone production
- Autoimmune ovarian failure
Correct Answer: Anovulation and hyperandrogenism
Q7. Which contraceptive method primarily works by inhibiting ovulation via negative feedback?
- Copper IUD
- Combined oral contraceptive pill (estrogen + progestin)
- Cervical cap
- Barrier condom
Correct Answer: Combined oral contraceptive pill (estrogen + progestin)
Q8. Clomiphene citrate is used to induce ovulation by which mechanism?
- Directly stimulating the ovary to produce follicles
- Acting as an estrogen receptor antagonist in the hypothalamus to increase GnRH, FSH and LH
- Increasing progesterone production from the corpus luteum
- Blocking androgen receptors in ovarian tissue
Correct Answer: Acting as an estrogen receptor antagonist in the hypothalamus to increase GnRH, FSH and LH
Q9. Which hormone is primarily responsible for proliferation of the endometrium during the menstrual cycle?
- Progesterone
- Estrogen (estradiol)
- Relaxin
- Prolactin
Correct Answer: Estrogen (estradiol)
Q10. The luteal phase typically lasts how many days in a normal menstrual cycle?
- Approximately 5–7 days
- Approximately 10–14 days
- Approximately 21–28 days
- Approximately 28–35 days
Correct Answer: Approximately 10–14 days
Q11. Which placental hormone maintains the corpus luteum in early pregnancy?
- Placental prolactin
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
- Oxytocin
- Human placental lactogen (hPL)
Correct Answer: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
Q12. Which drug is an emergency contraceptive that primarily delays or inhibits ovulation?
- Mifepristone (RU-486)
- Levonorgestrel emergency pill
- Misoprostol
- Methotrexate
Correct Answer: Levonorgestrel emergency pill
Q13. Which receptor type mediates estrogen’s genomic effects in target tissues?
- GABA receptor
- Intracellular nuclear estrogen receptor (ERα/ERβ)
- Ionotropic acetylcholine receptor
- Tyrosine kinase receptor
Correct Answer: Intracellular nuclear estrogen receptor (ERα/ERβ)
Q14. Which is a primary action of progesterone in the uterus during the secretory phase?
- Proliferation of endometrial glands
- Stabilization and secretory transformation of the endometrium to support implantation
- Initiation of menses
- Stimulating ovulation
Correct Answer: Stabilization and secretory transformation of the endometrium to support implantation
Q15. Mifepristone (RU-486) acts pharmacologically as which of the following?
- Estrogen receptor agonist
- Progesterone receptor antagonist
- Prostaglandin analog
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
Correct Answer: Progesterone receptor antagonist
Q16. Human placental lactogen (hPL) primarily affects maternal metabolism by:
- Increasing maternal insulin sensitivity
- Promoting lipolysis and reducing maternal insulin sensitivity to support fetal nutrient supply
- Directly stimulating fetal growth hormone secretion
- Inhibiting maternal thyroid function
Correct Answer: Promoting lipolysis and reducing maternal insulin sensitivity to support fetal nutrient supply
Q17. Which of the following drugs is used as a uterotonic to induce labor?
- Terbutaline
- Oxytocin
- Nifedipine
- Magnesium sulfate
Correct Answer: Oxytocin
Q18. Which drug class is commonly used as tocolytics to suppress preterm labor?
- Beta-2 adrenergic agonists and calcium channel blockers
- Prostaglandin analogs
- Uterotonics
- Estrogen receptor modulators
Correct Answer: Beta-2 adrenergic agonists and calcium channel blockers
Q19. The ovarian follicle cells producing androgens under LH stimulation are called:
- Granulosa cells
- Theca interna cells
- Cumulus oophorus
- Zona pellucida
Correct Answer: Theca interna cells
Q20. Which of the following is a potential teratogen contraindicated in pregnancy due to risk of fetal malformations?
- Folic acid
- Isotretinoin (oral retinoid)
- Levothyroxine
- Insulin
Correct Answer: Isotretinoin (oral retinoid)
Q21. Which process describes the final release of the oocyte from the mature follicle?
- Fertilization
- Ovulation
- Menstruation
- Implantation
Correct Answer: Ovulation
Q22. Which hormone from the anterior pituitary stimulates follicle growth in the ovary?
- Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Prolactin
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- Oxytocin
Correct Answer: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Q23. Endometrial decidualization necessary for implantation is primarily induced by:
- Estrogen alone
- Progesterone following ovulation
- FSH surge
- Prolactin increase
Correct Answer: Progesterone following ovulation
Q24. The corpus luteum degenerates into corpus albicans if pregnancy does not occur due to decreasing:
- FSH levels
- Estrogen levels
- Progesterone and LH support
- Prolactin levels
Correct Answer: Progesterone and LH support
Q25. Which pharmacokinetic consideration is important for drug dosing during pregnancy?
- Decreased plasma volume leading to higher drug concentrations
- Increased renal clearance and increased plasma volume altering drug levels
- Complete placental blockade of all drugs
- No change in hepatic metabolism
Correct Answer: Increased renal clearance and increased plasma volume altering drug levels
Q26. Which contraceptive method provides long-acting reversible contraception by releasing levonorgestrel locally?
- Oral combined pill
- Levonorgestrel intrauterine system (IUS)
- Condom
- Vaginal ring
Correct Answer: Levonorgestrel intrauterine system (IUS)
Q27. Which condition is characterized by pelvic endometrial tissue outside the uterus causing pain and infertility?
- Endometritis
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Leiomyoma
Correct Answer: Endometriosis
Q28. Which enzyme in granulosa cells converts androgens to estrogens?
- Aromatase
- 5-alpha reductase
- CYP3A4
- Monoamine oxidase
Correct Answer: Aromatase
Q29. Which placental barrier property allows lipophilic drugs to cross more readily to the fetus?
- Active transport exclusively
- Simple diffusion favoring lipophilic, low molecular weight drugs
- Complete enzymatic degradation of all xenobiotics
- Neutral pH preventing transfer
Correct Answer: Simple diffusion favoring lipophilic, low molecular weight drugs
Q30. Which hormone stimulates milk synthesis in the mammary glands?
- Oxytocin
- Prolactin
- LH
- Estrogen
Correct Answer: Prolactin
Q31. Which drug is used to medically terminate early pregnancy by blocking progesterone receptors?
- Oxytocin
- Mifepristone
- Levonorgestrel
- Misoprostol alone
Correct Answer: Mifepristone
Q32. Which anatomical site is the normal location for fertilization of the ovum?
- Uterine cavity
- Fallopian tube (ampulla)
- Ovary surface
- Cervical canal
Correct Answer: Fallopian tube (ampulla)
Q33. Which condition is defined by cessation of menses for 12 consecutive months and associated with decreased ovarian function?
- Menorrhagia
- Pre-menstrual syndrome
- Menopause
- Dysmenorrhea
Correct Answer: Menopause
Q34. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) like tamoxifen act as what in breast tissue?
- Pure estrogen agonists
- Estrogen antagonists in breast tissue and partial agonists in bone
- Progesterone receptor agonists
- Unselective aromatase inhibitors
Correct Answer: Estrogen antagonists in breast tissue and partial agonists in bone
Q35. Which of the following hormones has a negative feedback effect on pituitary FSH and LH secretion?
- Prolactin
- Estrogen and inhibin for FSH; estrogen/progesterone for LH
- Oxytocin
- hCG
Correct Answer: Estrogen and inhibin for FSH; estrogen/progesterone for LH
Q36. Which diagnostic marker is elevated in ovarian cancer and monitored clinically?
- CA-125
- hCG
- PSA
- AFP
Correct Answer: CA-125
Q37. Which progesterone receptor agonist is used in hormone replacement therapy and contraception?
- Levonorgestrel
- Clomiphene
- Methotrexate
- Isotretinoin
Correct Answer: Levonorgestrel
Q38. Which process marks the beginning of the menstrual cycle?
- Ovulation
- Onset of menses (day 1 bleeding)
- Implantation
- LH surge
Correct Answer: Onset of menses (day 1 bleeding)
Q39. Which clinical pharmacology concern is most relevant for prescribing ACE inhibitors to women of childbearing potential?
- Risk of gestational diabetes
- Teratogenicity and fetopathy, contraindicated in pregnancy
- No known pregnancy risks
- Increased milk production
Correct Answer: Teratogenicity and fetopathy, contraindicated in pregnancy
Q40. Which cell layer surrounds the oocyte and is essential for sperm binding during fertilization?
- Theca externa
- Zona pellucida
- Endometrium
- Myometrium
Correct Answer: Zona pellucida
Q41. Which medication is commonly used to suppress lactation postpartum when indicated?
- Metoclopramide
- Bromocriptine (dopamine agonist)
- Oxytocin
- Prolactin analog
Correct Answer: Bromocriptine (dopamine agonist)
Q42. Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of combined oral contraceptives in preventing pregnancy?
- They only thicken cervical mucus
- They inhibit ovulation, alter cervical mucus and change endometrial receptivity
- They act as spermicides
- They block tubal transport of ova
Correct Answer: They inhibit ovulation, alter cervical mucus and change endometrial receptivity
Q43. Which condition involves benign smooth muscle tumors of the uterus and can affect drug choice and fertility?
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas)
- Choriocarcinoma
- Ovarian torsion
Correct Answer: Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas)
Q44. Which hormone is responsible for milk ejection (let-down) during breastfeeding?
- Prolactin
- Oxytocin
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
Correct Answer: Oxytocin
Q45. In assisted reproductive techniques, which drug is used to prevent premature LH surge during ovarian stimulation?
- GnRH agonist or antagonist
- Estrogen patch
- Progesterone injection alone
- Clomiphene citrate
Correct Answer: GnRH agonist or antagonist
Q46. Which of the following best explains why some drugs have altered effects during pregnancy?
- No physiological changes occur during pregnancy
- Physiological changes such as increased blood volume, altered metabolism and placental transfer modify drug disposition
- Drugs cannot cross the placenta under any circumstances
- Fetal enzymes fully metabolize all maternal drugs
Correct Answer: Physiological changes such as increased blood volume, altered metabolism and placental transfer modify drug disposition
Q47. Which ovarian follicle stage is typically ovulated?
- Primordial follicle
- Primary follicle
- Graafian (mature) follicle
- Atretic follicle
Correct Answer: Graafian (mature) follicle
Q48. Which endocrine change is commonly observed in menopause?
- Increased estrogen production
- Decreased FSH and LH levels
- Decreased estrogen and increased FSH levels
- Increased progesterone production
Correct Answer: Decreased estrogen and increased FSH levels
Q49. Which medication is used to manage postpartum hemorrhage by increasing uterine contractions?
- Magnesium sulfate
- Misoprostol or oxytocin
- Nifedipine
- Terbutaline
Correct Answer: Misoprostol or oxytocin
Q50. Which laboratory marker is most useful to assess ovarian reserve in fertility evaluation?
- Serum cortisol
- Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)
- Serum prolactin only
- hCG level
Correct Answer: Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)
I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.
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