Reproduction: oocyte arrest points: 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.

Try it

Physiology · Reproduction: oocyte arrest points

Sample item

A secondary oocyte is ovulated after the LH surge. At what stage is it arrested until fertilisation?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Metaphase of the second meiotic division

The primary oocyte is arrested in prophase I from fetal life until the LH surge, when meiosis I completes, and the secondary oocyte then arrests in metaphase II. Meiosis II is completed only if a sperm penetrates.

Option by option

  • A. Interphase before the first division

    The oocyte enters meiosis in fetal life and does not arrest in interphase.

  • B. Prophase of the first meiotic division

    Prophase I arrest applies to the primary oocyte before the LH surge.

  • C. Metaphase of the second meiotic division (correct)

    Correct. The secondary oocyte waits in metaphase II until sperm entry.

  • D. Anaphase of the first meiotic division

    Meiosis I does not stop in anaphase; it is completed with extrusion of the first polar body.

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.

More Physiology questions

Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is C, Metaphase of the second meiotic division. The primary oocyte is arrested in prophase I from fetal life until the LH surge, when meiosis I completes, and the secondary oocyte then arrests in metaphase II.

Why is "Interphase before the first division" not the answer?

The oocyte enters meiosis in fetal life and does not arrest in interphase.

Why is "Prophase of the first meiotic division" not the answer?

Prophase I arrest applies to the primary oocyte before the LH surge.

Why is "Anaphase of the first meiotic division" not the answer?

Meiosis I does not stop in anaphase; it is completed with extrusion of the first polar body.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Reproduction: oocyte arrest points in Physiology. Meiosis II is completed only if a sperm penetrates.

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: oocyte arrest points?

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.