Reproduction: effect of the LH surge on the oocyte: 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: effect of the LH surge on the oocyte

Sample item

Which event inside the primary oocyte is triggered by the preovulatory LH surge?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Completion of meiosis I with extrusion of the first polar body

The oocyte is held in prophase of meiosis I from fetal life. The LH surge allows meiosis I to be completed just before ovulation, forming the secondary oocyte and first polar body. The oocyte then arrests in metaphase II until fertilisation.

Option by option

  • A. Formation of the primordial follicle

    Primordial follicles form in fetal life and are not produced by the surge.

  • B. Entry into meiosis I

    Entry into meiosis I occurs in fetal life, long before the LH surge.

  • C. Completion of meiosis I with extrusion of the first polar body (correct)

    Correct. The LH surge resumes meiosis I, giving a secondary oocyte and first polar body.

  • D. Completion of meiosis II

    Meiosis II is completed only if a sperm penetrates the oocyte.

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 C, Completion of meiosis I with extrusion of the first polar body. The oocyte is held in prophase of meiosis I from fetal life.

Why is "Formation of the primordial follicle" not the answer?

Primordial follicles form in fetal life and are not produced by the surge.

Why is "Entry into meiosis I" not the answer?

Entry into meiosis I occurs in fetal life, long before the LH surge.

Why is "Completion of meiosis II" not the answer?

Meiosis II is completed only if a sperm penetrates the oocyte.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Reproduction: effect of the LH surge on the oocyte in Physiology. The LH surge allows meiosis I to be completed just before ovulation, forming the secondary oocyte and first polar body. The oocyte then arrests in metaphase II until fertilisation.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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: effect of the LH surge on the oocyte?

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.