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Question #45508
The Question
In a rare clinical condition, a non-pregnant female's corpus luteum becomes refractory to luteolytic signals and fails to degenerate into the corpus albicans at the end of the luteal phase. Which of the following endocrine and physiological profiles would be expected in this patient?
Options
- A.
Persistent high progesterone levels will maintain the secretory endometrium and inhibit the release of FSH, preventing the onset of a new follicular phase.
- B.
Sustained secretion of progesterone will exert positive feedback on the hypothalamus, triggering a premature LH surge and multiple ovulations.
- C.
The endometrial lining will disintegrate due to the absence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), despite the elevated ovarian steroids.
- D.
The persistent corpus luteum will undergo hypertrophy and secrete large amounts of relaxin, initiating immediate myometrial contractions.
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
Corpus Luteum|Feedback Mechanism Loops|LH|Progesterone
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize that 'hCG is required to maintain the endometrium' (Option C trap).
They must synthesize that hCG's only role is to rescue the Corpus Luteum.
The ultimate effector maintaining the endometrium and suppressing the next cycle is Progesterone.
By presenting a scenario where the Corpus Luteum persists independently, the question tests the student's understanding of Progesterone's dual role: endometrial maintenance and negative feedback on the HPG axis (FSH/LH suppression).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Human Reproduction - Class 12 |
| Concept | Corpus Luteum Fate |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |