Which hormone from the anterior pituitary stimulates the maturation of ovarian follicles?

Which hormone from the anterior pituitary stimulates the maturation of ovarian follicles?

• A. Progesterone
• B. Follicle-stimulating hormone
• C. Estrogen
• D. Human chorionic gonadotropin

Answer: (B)

Follicle-stimulating hormone from the anterior pituitary drives the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles. It acts on granulosa cells in developing follicles, promoting their proliferation and the overall maturation of the follicle, while stimulating estrogen production via aromatase. As follicles respond to FSH, one becomes the dominant follicle with the greatest sensitivity to FSH, setting the stage for ovulation later in the cycle. Progesterone is produced after ovulation by the corpus luteum, not to initiate follicle growth. Estrogen is a product of the developing follicle and helps regulate the cycle but does not initiate follicle maturation. Human chorionic gonadotropin functions later to support the corpus luteum in early pregnancy, not to drive follicle development.

Follicle-stimulating hormone from the anterior pituitary drives the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles. It acts on granulosa cells in developing follicles, promoting their proliferation and the overall maturation of the follicle, while stimulating estrogen production via aromatase. As follicles respond to FSH, one becomes the dominant follicle with the greatest sensitivity to FSH, setting the stage for ovulation later in the cycle. Progesterone is produced after ovulation by the corpus luteum, not to initiate follicle growth. Estrogen is a product of the developing follicle and helps regulate the cycle but does not initiate follicle maturation. Human chorionic gonadotropin functions later to support the corpus luteum in early pregnancy, not to drive follicle development.