Hormone responsible for ovum maturation?

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO - 2017

Explanation

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland.
Its principal function during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle is to stimulate the development and maturation of ovarian follicles.
The growth of the follicle is what allows the ovum (egg) inside it to mature.
Early follicular growth is stimulated mainly by FSH alone.

Option A: Luteinizing Hormone (LH) does not primarily cause ovum maturation. Its main role is the mid-cycle surge that triggers ovulation, which is the release of the already mature egg from the follicle.
Option C: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is the hormone of pregnancy. It is produced by the placenta after implantation and is not involved in the maturation of the ovum during a typical menstrual cycle.
Option D: Estrogen is a product of the developing follicle, not the primary trigger for its maturation. It is secreted by the granulosa cells of the follicle in response to FSH stimulation.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Hormonal regulation of the female reproductive cycle, specifically ovum maturation as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the role of FSH is crucial in managing infertility. Recombinant FSH (follitropin) is a common medication used to stimulate follicle development in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.
A nurse may be responsible for administering these injections and educating the patient on the timing and potential side effects.
Measuring FSH levels in the blood can help diagnose certain conditions. High FSH levels can be an indicator of menopause or primary ovarian insufficiency, as the pituitary gland releases more FSH to try to stimulate non-responsive ovaries.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of reproductive endocrinology.
First, identify the key process in the question: 'ovum maturation'.
Next, systematically review the function of each hormone listed in the options in the context of the female reproductive cycle.
Recall that FSH stands for Follicle-Stimulating Hormone. Its name directly describes its function: stimulating the follicle, which leads to the maturation of the ovum inside.
Differentiate this from LH, which primarily triggers the release (ovulation) of the mature egg.
Eliminate HCG as it's related to pregnancy, and Estrogen as it's a product of the stimulated follicle, not the initial stimulus.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Hormonal regulation of the female reproductive cycle, specifically ovum maturation.
Stem keywords: Hormone, ovum maturation
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e p. 1049-1051

E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 3 p. 35-37

Practise the full AIIMS Delhi NO - 2017

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.