Free Menstrual Cycle MCQs with Answers

1. After ovulation the ruptured follicle becomes the corpus luteum, which mainly secretes

• A. progesterone
• B. FSH
• C. LH
• D. oxytocin

Explanation: Progesterone from the corpus luteum maintains the thickened endometrium and inhibits FSH and LH so that no further follicle ripens. FSH and LH are pituitary hormones acting on the ovary rather than products of it, which is the trap here. If no implantation occurs the corpus luteum degenerates after about ten days and progesterone falls, which brings on menstruation.

2. Ovulation is triggered by a sharp rise in

• A. oestrogen alone
• B. luteinising hormone
• C. progesterone
• D. follicle stimulating hormone

Explanation: Rising oestrogen from the ripening follicle switches the pituitary from negative to positive feedback and produces a sudden LH surge, which ruptures the follicle within about a day. Oestrogen is the signal that causes the surge rather than the trigger itself, which is why it is the tempting choice. Progesterone rises only after ovulation, once the corpus luteum has formed.

3. In a regular 28 day menstrual cycle, ovulation usually occurs on about day

• A. 5
• B. 8
• C. 21
• D. 14

Explanation: Ovulation falls near the midpoint of the cycle, roughly fourteen days before the next period begins, because the luteal phase is the fixed part at about fourteen days while the follicular phase varies. Day five is still within menstruation and day twenty one lies in the secretory phase, when the corpus luteum is already active. Counting backwards from the next expected period is the more reliable method in irregular cycles.

4. Menstruation begins when

• A. oestrogen rises sharply
• B. follicle stimulating hormone falls to zero
• C. the corpus luteum degenerates and progesterone falls
• D. the blastocyst implants in the uterine wall

Explanation: Without implantation the corpus luteum breaks down, progesterone withdrawal removes the support of the endometrium, its blood vessels constrict and the lining is shed as the menstrual flow. The falling progesterone also releases the pituitary from inhibition, so FSH rises again and the next cycle begins. Implantation has the opposite effect, since it keeps the corpus luteum alive and prevents menstruation.

5. Ovulation is triggered by

• A. FSH surge
• B. LH surge
• C. Estrogen decrease
• D. Progesterone increase

Explanation: The LH surge (luteinizing hormone) triggers ovulation, releasing the mature egg from the Graafian follicle.

6. The corpus luteum secretes

• A. FSH and LH
• B. Estrogen and progesterone
• C. hCG
• D. Prolactin

Explanation: The corpus luteum (formed from the ruptured follicle) secretes progesterone and estrogen to maintain the endometrium.

7. hCG is produced by

• A. Corpus luteum
• B. Trophoblast/Placenta
• C. Pituitary
• D. Hypothalamus

Explanation: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced by the trophoblast (developing placenta) to maintain the corpus luteum.

8. Menstruation is caused by

• A. Rise in estrogen
• B. Fall in progesterone and estrogen
• C. Rise in hCG
• D. Rise in LH

Explanation: When pregnancy doesn't occur, the corpus luteum degenerates → progesterone and estrogen fall → endometrium breaks down.

9. Sertoli cells provide

• A. Testosterone
• B. Nourishment to developing sperm
• C. LH
• D. FSH

Explanation: Sertoli (nurse) cells provide nutrients and support to developing sperm cells in the seminiferous tubules.

10. Parturition is triggered by

• A. Rising progesterone
• B. Falling progesterone and rising oxytocin
• C. Rising hCG
• D. Falling estrogen

Explanation: Falling progesterone and rising oxytocin and prostaglandins trigger uterine contractions for childbirth.