Question

The nurse is explaining the events that lead up to ovulation. Which hormone would the nurse identify as being primarily responsible for ovulation?

a) Estrogen
b) Progesterone
c) Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
d) Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Answer 1

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is the hormone that directly induces ovulation. LH is released due to stimulation from Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to the release of an egg from the dominant ovarian follicle.

Step-by-step explanation:

The hormone primarily responsible for triggering ovulation is Luteinizing hormone (LH). During the menstrual cycle, the hypothalamus releases Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) which in turn stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to secrete both Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and LH. While FSH is crucial for the maturation of follicles in the ovaries, it is the surge in LH levels that directly leads to ovulation, the release of an egg from the dominant follicle in the ovary. This process is part of the ovarian cycle, and after ovulation, the corpus luteum is formed and begins to release progesterone, which helps thicken the endometrium in preparation for potential implantation of an embryo.