RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2023
Applied Physiology
Easy

Follicle stimulating hormone is secreted by -

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2023

Explanation

  • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a gonadotropin hormone produced and secreted by the gonadotrope cells within the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.
  • Its secretion is regulated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus.
  • In females, FSH stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles. In males, it is essential for stimulating spermatogenesis.
  • The anterior pituitary is responsible for producing several key hormones that regulate various endocrine functions throughout the body.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option B: The posterior pituitary does not synthesize hormones; it only stores and releases Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) and Oxytocin, which are produced in the hypothalamus.
  • Option C: The ovary is the target organ for FSH. It contains the follicles that FSH stimulates. The ovary itself secretes hormones like estrogen and progesterone in response to FSH and LH.
  • Option D: The corpus luteum is a temporary structure that forms from the ovarian follicle after ovulation. Its primary function is to secrete progesterone (and some estrogen) to maintain the uterine lining.

Related Visual

Visual explanation — Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Hormonal regulation by the pituitary gland as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • Measuring FSH levels is a key diagnostic tool in reproductive medicine. It helps nurses and doctors assess a patient's ovarian reserve, investigate menstrual irregularities, and diagnose infertility in both men and women.
  • Abnormal FSH levels can indicate pituitary disorders or primary gonadal failure.
  • Patient education is crucial. A nurse may need to explain the significance of FSH test results to a patient undergoing fertility treatment, clarifying what high or low levels might mean for their condition.
How to Approach the Question
  • First, identify the key term in the question: 'Follicle stimulating hormone' (FSH).
  • Recall the major glands of the endocrine system and the hormones they produce. FSH is a key reproductive hormone.
  • Associate FSH with the 'master gland,' the pituitary gland. Remember that the pituitary has two distinct lobes: anterior and posterior.
  • Differentiate the functions of the anterior and posterior pituitary. The anterior pituitary is a major production center for many hormones (FSH, LH, ACTH, TSH, etc.), while the posterior pituitary primarily releases hormones made in the hypothalamus (ADH, oxytocin).
  • Eliminate the other options. The ovary and corpus luteum are targets of FSH and LH, not the source of FSH.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Hormonal regulation by the pituitary gland
  • Stem keywords: Follicle stimulating hormone, secreted by
  • Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
  • Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QZVHPAFtSDml0aYQ-yRzWT

Reference Book

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 1164-1166

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 895-897

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