1) The area where the urethra exits the bladder is surrounded by a thickened layer of smooth muscle known as the bladder neck. Male infertility can be caused by various conditions that prevent the normal contraction of the bladder neck during orgasm. Why would failure of bladder neck contraction during orgasm lead to infertility?

a.
The ducts of the bulbourethral glands are blocked.

b.
Semen is pushed upward into the bladder instead of out the penis.

c.
The temperature of the scrotum is too high, which impairs spermatogenesis.

d.
The ducts leading from the seminal vesicles to the ejaculatory duct are blocked.

e.
The vas deferens cannot transport sperm from the epididymus to the ejaculatory duct.

2) A man went to see his doctor because he could not conceive children. Upon examination, he was found to have normal masculine secondary sex characteristics, increased plasma levels of FSH, and normal plasma levels of LH. What is the most likely explanation for his sterility?

a.
excessive secretion of inhibin

b.
deficient testosterone secretion

c.
blockage of the vasa deferentia

d.
impaired function of Sertoli cells

e.
impaired function of Leydig cells

3) A woman presented herself at her doctor’s office complaining of abdominal pain and unusual vaginal bleeding. She reported that her normal menstrual period is more than a month late, and she has a history of pelvic inflammatory disease caused by a Chlamydia infection. Lab tests revealed high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin, but ultrasonography revealed an empty uterus. Which one of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

a.
appendicitis

b.
ovarian tumor

c.
ectopic pregnancy

d.
urinary tract infection

e.
recurrence of the Chlamydia infection