Foundation
Biology Foundation
Chemical Control and Coordination
Question

Ovulation in humans is controlled by 

FSH & LH

FSH & TSH

FSH & LTH

LTH & LH

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Solution

Ovulation in humans is the process where a mature egg is released from the ovary. This crucial event in the menstrual cycle is primarily controlled by two key hormones from the pituitary gland.

Step 1: Identify the Key Hormones

The two main hormones involved are:

  • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. Its primary role is to stimulate the growth and development of ovarian follicles in the ovary during the first half (follicular phase) of the menstrual cycle.
  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Also secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. A sudden surge in LH levels triggers the final maturation of the follicle and the actual release of the egg (ovulation) around the middle of the cycle.

Step 2: Understand Their Synergy

FSH and LH work together. FSH prepares the follicle, and the LH surge directly causes ovulation. The other hormones listed (TSH - Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone and LTH - Luteotropic Hormone, which is another name for Prolactin) are not directly involved in triggering the release of the egg.

Final Answer: The correct option is FSH & LH.

Related Topics & Formulae

Hormone Levels During the Menstrual Cycle:

The interaction of these hormones can be visualized by their changing concentrations. While there isn't a single formula, their relationship is often represented graphically. The key event is the LH surge, which is a rapid increase in concentration that acts as the trigger.

This surge can be conceptually thought of as a function of time t (days in the cycle):

LH ( t ) k · e - ( t - t 0 ) 2 2 σ 2

Where t0 is the time of ovulation (around day 14), k is a constant for peak amplitude, and σ controls the width of the surge. This is a Gaussian function used to model the sharp peak.

Other Key Hormones:

  • Estrogen: Produced by the developing follicles. Rising estrogen levels eventually stimulate the pituitary gland to release the LH surge.
  • Progesterone: Produced by the corpus luteum (the structure left behind after ovulation) to prepare the uterus for a potential pregnancy.