Levels of transcortin are elevated in a pregnant woman. Which of the following laboratory findings would be expected in this patient?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: Elevated levels of transcortin in a pregnant woman lead to an increase in total plasma cortisol concentration. Transcortin binds to cortisol, increasing its total concentration but reducing the amount of free (non-protein-bound) cortisol. Choice A is correct as total cortisol concentration increases due to transcortin binding. Choices B and D are incorrect as free cortisol concentration decreases. Choice C is incorrect as total cortisol concentration is elevated, not decreased.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH promotes the growth and maturation of primary follicles in the ovary each month. It stimulates the follicles to develop and produce estrogen. LH surge triggers ovulation. A and B are involved in the menstrual cycle, but they do not specifically promote the growth of primary follicles. C is not a hormone involved in the process.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Primary spermatocyte. Primary spermatocytes are diploid cells that undergo meiosis to produce four haploid cells, which develop into sperm. First, primary spermatocytes undergo meiosis I to form two secondary spermatocytes. Then, meiosis II occurs in each secondary spermatocyte to produce a total of four spermatids, which eventually mature into sperm. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: A: Spermatids are already haploid cells formed from the division of secondary spermatocytes, not primary spermatocytes. B: Spermatogonium are diploid cells that divide by mitosis to produce primary spermatocytes, not directly giving rise to sperm. D: Ovum is a female gamete that undergoes meiosis to produce one mature egg cell, not sperm.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The secretory phase follows ovulation in the menstrual cycle. During this phase, the corpus luteum, formed from the ruptured follicle, secretes progesterone, maintaining the endometrium for potential implantation of a fertilized egg. Choice A is incorrect as ovulation occurs in the preceding phase (ovulatory phase). Choice B is incorrect as the functional layer of the endometrium thickens during the secretory phase to support a potential pregnancy. Choice D is incorrect as the functional layer of the endometrium is not shed during the secretory phase, but rather maintained for pregnancy support.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: spermatogonia. Spermatogonia are the cells within the seminiferous tubules of the testes that give rise to sperm cells. Testosterone is produced by Leydig cells, not spermatogonia. A is incorrect because the spermatic cord does not produce testosterone. C is incorrect as the testis is the overall organ where the seminiferous tubules are located. D is incorrect as oogonia are female germ cells found in the ovaries, not the testes.