Human Reproduction – Pregnancy and Embryonic Development: NEET MCQs with Answers

15 free questions on Human Reproduction – Pregnancy and Embryonic Development for NEET (UG), starting with previous-year NEET and AIPMT questions. Try each one, then tap Show answer for the answer and a short explanation.

Syllabus covered: Pregnancy and Embryonic Development: Pregnancy and placenta formation (Elementary idea)

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Question 1

Previous-year question
Hormones secreted by the placenta to maintain pregnancy are [NEET 2018]
  1. hCG, hPL, progestogens, prolactin
  2. hCG, hPL, estrogens, relaxin, oxytocin
  3. hCG, progestogens, estrogens, glucocorticoids
  4. hCG, hPL, progestogens, estrogens
Show answer
Answer: (D) hCG, hPL, progestogens, estrogens
Explanation: The placenta acts as an endocrine tissue and secretes human chorionic gonadotropin, human placental lactogen, progestogens and oestrogens, all of which maintain the pregnancy.

Question 2

Previous-year question
The amnion of the mammalian embryo is derived from [NEET 2018]
  1. ectoderm and mesoderm
  2. endoderm and mesoderm
  3. ectoderm and endoderm
  4. mesoderm and trophoblast
Show answer
Answer: (A) ectoderm and mesoderm
Explanation: The amniotic membrane consists of an inner layer of ectoderm and an outer layer of extra-embryonic mesoderm; the amniotic fluid it encloses cushions the embryo.

Question 3

Previous-year question
Which extra-embryonic membrane in humans prevents desiccation of the embryo? [AIPMT 2008]
  1. Chorion
  2. Allantois
  3. Yolk sac
  4. Amnion
Show answer
Answer: (D) Amnion
Explanation: The amnion is the innermost extra-embryonic membrane; the fluid it encloses forms a private aquarium around the embryo, protecting it from mechanical shock and from drying up. The chorion is the outermost membrane and the allantois is concerned with excretion and respiration.

Question 4

Previous-year question
The first movements of the foetus and appearance of hair on its head are usually observed during which month of pregnancy? [AIPMT 2010]
  1. Fourth month
  2. Fifth month
  3. Sixth month
  4. Third month
Show answer
Answer: (B) Fifth month
Explanation: The first movements of the foetus and the appearance of fine hair on the head are usually observed during the fifth month of pregnancy, i.e. in the second trimester.

Question 5

Previous-year question
Which one of the following is not the function of placenta? It [NEET 2013]
  1. facilitates supply of oxygen and nutrients to embryo
  2. secretes oestrogen
  3. facilitates removal of carbon dioxide and waste material from embryo
  4. secretes oxytocin during parturition
Show answer
Answer: (D) secretes oxytocin during parturition
Explanation: Oxytocin during parturition is secreted by the maternal posterior pituitary, not by the placenta. The placenta supplies oxygen and nutrients, removes carbon dioxide and wastes, and secretes hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone, hCG and hPL.

Question 6

Previous-year question
Select the correct option describing gonadotropin activity in a normal pregnant female [AIPMT 2014, 2012]
  1. high level of FSH and LH stimulates the thickening of endometrium
  2. high level of FSH and LH facilitate implantation of the embryo
  3. high level of hCG stimulates the synthesis of estrogen and progesterone
  4. high level of hCG stimulates the thickening of endometrium
Show answer
Answer: (C) high level of hCG stimulates the synthesis of estrogen and progesterone
Explanation: hCG secretion begins about 48–72 hours after implantation. Acting like LH, it stimulates the corpus luteum to secrete high levels of progesterone and some oestrogen, and these steroids maintain pregnancy and inhibit ovulation.

Question 7

Previous-year question
Several hormones like hCG, hPL, oestrogen, progesterone are produced by [NEET 2016, Phase II]
  1. ovary
  2. placenta
  3. Fallopian tube
  4. pituitary
Show answer
Answer: (B) placenta
Explanation: The placenta is the structural and functional connection between the developing foetus and the maternal body. Besides its transport role it acts as an endocrine tissue and produces hCG, hPL, oestrogens and progestogens.
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Question 8

Previous-year question
Match Column I with Column II and select the correct option using the codes given below. [NEET 2016, Phase II] Column I: A. Mons pubis, B. Antrum, C. Trophectoderm, D. Nebenkern Column II: 1. Embryo formation, 2. Sperm, 3. Female external genitalia, 4. Graafian follicle
  1. A–3, B–4, C–2, D–1
  2. A–3, B–4, C–1, D–2
  3. A–3, B–1, C–4, D–2
  4. A–1, B–4, C–3, D–2
Show answer
Answer: (B) A–3, B–4, C–1, D–2
Explanation: Mons pubis is a part of the female external genitalia (A–3), the antrum is the fluid-filled cavity of the Graafian follicle (B–4), the trophectoderm is a layer formed during embryo development (C–1) and the Nebenkern is a mitochondrial structure present in the sperm of certain insects (D–2).

Question 9

Previous-year question
Hormones secreted by the placenta to maintain pregnancy are [NEET 2018]
  1. hCG, hPL, progestogens, oestrogens
  2. hCG, hPL, oestrogens, relaxin, oxytocin
  3. hCG, progestogens, oestrogens, prolactin
  4. hCG, hPL, progestogens, oestrogens, glucocorticoids
Show answer
Answer: (A) hCG, hPL, progestogens, oestrogens
Explanation: The placenta is an endocrine tissue that secretes human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), human placental lactogen (hPL), progestogens and oestrogens. These maintain the corpus luteum, promote growth of the mammary glands, support foetal growth and inhibit uterine contractions.

Question 10

Previous-year question
The amnion of mammalian embryo is derived from [NEET 2018]
  1. mesoderm and trophoblast
  2. endoderm and mesoderm
  3. ectoderm and mesoderm
  4. ectoderm and endoderm
Show answer
Answer: (C) ectoderm and mesoderm
Explanation: The amnion is formed by amniogenic cells of ectodermal origin on the inner side and somatopleuric extra-embryonic mesoderm on the outer side. It acts as a shock absorber, regulates foetal body temperature and prevents desiccation.

Question 11

Previous-year question
Select the correct sequence of events [NEET (Odisha) 2019]
  1. Gametogenesis → Gamete transfer → Syngamy → Zygote → Cell division (Cleavage) → Cell differentiation → Organogenesis
  2. Gametogenesis → Gamete transfer → Syngamy → Zygote → Cell division (Cleavage) → Organogenesis → Cell differentiation
  3. Gametogenesis → Syngamy → Gamete transfer → Zygote → Cell division (Cleavage) → Cell differentiation → Organogenesis
  4. Gametogenesis → Gamete transfer → Syngamy → Zygote → Cell differentiation → Cell division (Cleavage) → Organogenesis
Show answer
Answer: (A) Gametogenesis → Gamete transfer → Syngamy → Zygote → Cell division (Cleavage) → Cell differentiation → Organogenesis
Explanation: Gametes are first produced (gametogenesis) and then brought together (gamete transfer). Their fusion (syngamy) forms the zygote, which divides by cleavage; the resulting cells then differentiate and finally organise into the organs of the body (organogenesis).

Question 12

Previous-year question
Match the following columns and select the correct option from the codes given below. [NEET (Oct.) 2020] Column I: A. Ovary, B. Placenta, C. Corpus luteum, D. Leydig cells Column II: 1. Human chorionic gonadotropin, 2. oestrogen and progesterone, 3. Androgens, 4. Progesterone only
  1. A–4, B–3, C–2, D–1
  2. A–1, B–2, C–3, D–4
  3. A–1, B–3, C–2, D–4
  4. A–2, B–1, C–4, D–3
Show answer
Answer: (D) A–2, B–1, C–4, D–3
Explanation: The ovary produces oestrogen and progesterone (A–2), the placenta produces human chorionic gonadotropin (B–1), the corpus luteum produces progesterone (C–4) and the Leydig cells produce androgens (D–3).

Question 13

Previous-year question
Match the following columns and select the correct option. [NEET (Sep.) 2020] Column I: A. Placenta, B. Zona pellucida, C. Bulbourethral glands, D. Leydig cells Column II: 1. Androgens, 2. human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), 3. Layer of the ovum, 4. Lubrication of the penis
  1. A–1, B–4, C–2, D–3
  2. A–3, B–2, C–4, D–1
  3. A–2, B–3, C–4, D–1
  4. A–4, B–3, C–1, D–2
Show answer
Answer: (C) A–2, B–3, C–4, D–1
Explanation: The placenta secretes human chorionic gonadotropin (A–2). The zona pellucida is a primary egg membrane, a layer around the ovum (B–3). The secretions of the bulbourethral glands lubricate the penis (C–4), and Leydig cells synthesise androgens (D–1).

Question 14

Previous-year question
In human beings, at the end of 12 weeks (first trimester) of pregnancy, the following is observed. [NEET (Oct.) 2020]
  1. Eyelids and eyelashes are formed
  2. Most of the major organ systems are formed
  3. The head is covered with fine hair
  4. Movement of the foetus
Show answer
Answer: (B) Most of the major organ systems are formed
Explanation: By the end of the first trimester (12 weeks) most of the major organ systems are formed — the limbs and the external genital organs are well developed. Fine hair on the head and the first foetal movements appear in the fifth month.

Question 15

Previous-year question
Which of the following secretes the hormone, relaxin, during the later phase of pregnancy? [NEET 2021]
  1. Graafian follicle
  2. Corpus luteum
  3. Foetus
  4. Uterus
Show answer
Answer: (B) Corpus luteum
Explanation: Relaxin is secreted by the corpus luteum during the later phase of pregnancy. It dilates the cervix and relaxes the pelvic ligaments, thereby facilitating parturition.

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