Reproduction: timing of ovulation: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Reproduction: timing of ovulation

Sample item

A woman has regular 35-day menstrual cycles. Assuming a normal luteal phase of 14 days, on which cycle day does ovulation most likely occur?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Day 21

The luteal phase has a fairly constant length of about 14 days, because it depends on the lifespan of the corpus luteum. Differences in cycle length arise from the follicular phase. Ovulation therefore occurs about 14 days before the end of the cycle, so cycle length minus luteal length gives 35 - 14 = day 21.

Option by option

  • A. Day 17

    Day 17 would imply a luteal phase of 18 days, longer than normal.

  • B. Day 14

    Day 14 applies only to a 28-day cycle, and wrongly assumes a fixed follicular phase.

  • C. Day 28

    Day 28 would leave a luteal phase of 7 days, which is too short to sustain implantation.

  • D. Day 21 (correct)

    Cycle length minus the 14-day luteal phase (35 - 14) places ovulation at day 21.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is D, Day 21. The luteal phase has a fairly constant length of about 14 days, because it depends on the lifespan of the corpus luteum.

Why is "Day 17" not the answer?

Day 17 would imply a luteal phase of 18 days, longer than normal.

Why is "Day 14" not the answer?

Day 14 applies only to a 28-day cycle, and wrongly assumes a fixed follicular phase.

Why is "Day 28" not the answer?

Day 28 would leave a luteal phase of 7 days, which is too short to sustain implantation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Reproduction: timing of ovulation in Physiology. Differences in cycle length arise from the follicular phase. Ovulation therefore occurs about 14 days before the end of the cycle, so cycle length minus luteal length gives 35 - 14 = day 21.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Reproduction: timing of ovulation?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.