Question

(a) What is the fate of the Graafian follicle after ovulation?
(b) What are the functions of the hormones in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle? [5 marks]

Answer 1

(a) After ovulation, the remaining part of the Graafian follicle transforms into the corpus luteum. [½ mark]

Corpus luteum secretes large amounts of progesterone. [½ mark]
Progestrone helps in the maintenance of the endometrium. [½ mark]
Maintenance of endometrium is important for implantation of the fertilised egg during pregnancy. [½ mark]
In case the released egg is not fertilised, the corpus luteum degenerates. [½ mark]

(b) The following hormones are secreted during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle:

1. i) FSH (Follicular Stimulating Hormone): FSH stimulates follicular development. [½ mark]
2. It stimulates the secretion of estrogens by the growing follicles. [½ mark]
3. ii) LH (Luteinizing hormone): LH helps in the follicular development. [½ mark]
4. The rapid increase in the level of LH called as LH surge induces rupture of Graafian follicle and thereby ovulation. [½ mark]
5. (iii) Oestrogen: It stimulates the proliferation of the endometrium. [½ mark]