Question

What is the main hormone that helps primordial follicles to develop into mature follicle?

• A. Luteinizing hormone
• B. Follicle stimulating hormone
• C. Human chorionic gonadotrophin
• D. Estrogen

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Follicle stimulating hormone

Primordial germ cells multiply during foetal development. At birth, the ovary contains around 400,000 primordial follicles which contain primary oocytes. In each ovarian cycle, about 20 primordial follicles are activated to begin maturation. However, normally only one follicle fully matures, and the rest contribute to the endocrine function of the ovary. Development of the follicles is stimulated by production of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) by the pituitary gland. In females, FSH initiates follicular growth, specifically affecting granulosa cells. This seems to be critical in selecting only the most advanced follicle to proceed to ovulation. FSH stimulates the ovarian follicle, causing an egg to grow. The shift to LH causes the egg to be released from the ovary by the process called ovulation.