Which of the following is the role of progesterone in the female reproductive system?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Progesterone's role in the female reproductive system is to prepare the uterus for implantation by thickening the uterine lining. This is essential for successful implantation of a fertilized egg. Progesterone does not stimulate ovulation (which is mainly regulated by luteinizing hormone), prevent pregnancy (contraceptives containing progesterone are used for this purpose), or promote the development of secondary sexual characteristics (which is primarily the role of estrogen).

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased cervical mucus. During ovulation, the body produces more cervical mucus that becomes clear, stretchy, and slippery to facilitate sperm movement. This helps in the fertilization process. Lower body temperature and decreased estrogen levels are not typically signs of ovulation. Thickening of the uterine lining occurs during the menstrual cycle in preparation for a potential pregnancy, not specifically during ovulation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Seminal vesicles. Seminal vesicles are responsible for producing seminal fluid, which makes up the majority of semen. They secrete a fluid rich in fructose and other nutrients to provide energy for sperm. The other choices are incorrect because the prostate gland produces a milky fluid that aids in sperm motility but is not the primary producer of seminal fluid. The epididymis stores and transports sperm, and the testes produce sperm cells through spermatogenesis, but neither of these structures is responsible for producing seminal fluid.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Progesterone levels rise after ovulation to prepare the uterus for pregnancy. Rationale: 1. Progesterone is primarily produced by the corpus luteum after ovulation. 2. Progesterone helps thicken the endometrial lining to support embryo implantation. 3. Rising progesterone levels inhibit further ovulation. 4. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone is vital for maintaining the uterine lining. Summary: A: Incorrect - Ovulation occurs in the middle of the cycle during the follicular phase. B: Incorrect - The follicular phase is characterized by follicle development, not endometrial lining growth. D: Incorrect - FSH levels are high at the beginning of the cycle to stimulate follicle development, but decrease after ovulation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: Prolactin is the hormone responsible for stimulating the production of breast milk after childbirth. It is produced by the pituitary gland and plays a key role in lactation. Estrogen and progesterone are involved in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy but not specifically in milk production. Oxytocin is responsible for milk ejection (letdown reflex) but not the production of milk itself. Therefore, the correct answer is C: Prolactin.