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Question #47452
The Question
A pharmacological agent is used to selectively arrest the development of the tertiary ovarian follicle in a human female, preventing its maturation into a Graafian follicle. Based on the integration of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian (HPO) axis, which of the following accurately describes the downstream hormonal and physiological consequences?
Options
- A.
The absence of a pre-ovulatory estrogen surge prevents positive feedback on the anterior pituitary, resulting in anovulation and a failure to initiate the endometrial secretory phase.
- B.
The lack of estrogenic negative feedback induces a compensatory LH surge from the anterior pituitary, leading to premature luteinization of the arrested follicle.
- C.
Basal LH levels will directly stimulate the arrested tertiary follicle to secrete progesterone, prematurely converting the endometrium into a receptive state.
- D.
GnRH pulse frequency will decrease to zero due to the absence of inhibin, causing immediate sloughing of the proliferative endometrium.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
GnRH|LH|FSH|Graafian_Follicle
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: The dual feedback mechanism of estrogen.
Students frequently misunderstand that while low-to-moderate levels of estrogen exert negative feedback on the anterior pituitary (inhibiting LH/FSH), the peak levels of estrogen produced specifically by the mature Graafian follicle switch to exerting positive feedback.
This switch is the absolute prerequisite for the LH surge.
Failing to recognize this biphasic nature leads to selecting distractors involving compensatory LH surges.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Neural Control and Coordination - Class 11 |
| Concept | Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis Integration |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |