Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to help you succeed. Get ready for your exam!

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What term describes the state of a female mouse when she is ready to mate?

  1. Estrus

  2. Diestrus

  3. Proestrus

  4. Metestrus

The correct answer is: Estrus

The term that describes the state of a female mouse when she is ready to mate is estrus. During estrus, also known as heat, the female mouse exhibits behavioral and physiological changes that signal her readiness to breed. This state is characterized by increased activity, a willingness to accept males, and specific hormonal changes that prepare the body for potential mating and subsequent pregnancy. The estrous cycle in mice consists of several phases, and the estrus phase is the peak of reproductive readiness, typically lasting about 12 hours to a day, during which ovulation occurs. Understanding this phase is crucial for anyone working with laboratory animals, as it can impact breeding programs and overall animal husbandry practices. The other terms listed (diestrus, proestrus, and metestrus) refer to other stages of the estrous cycle where the female mouse is either not receptive to mating or is in preparation for or recovery from the reproductive state, thus highlighting the specific and critical nature of estrus.