The phase in which the lining cells of the ovarian follicle are stimulated by luteinizing hormone to develop the corpus luteum, to produce progesterone and estrogen is?

1. A

   Menstrual phase

2. B

   Proliferative phase

3. C

   Secretory phase

4. D

   Follicular phase

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur - 2017 (shift-2)

Explanation

• The question describes the formation of the corpus luteum and its secretion of progesterone under the influence of Luteinizing Hormone (LH). These are the defining events of the ovarian luteal phase.
• The secretory phase is the corresponding phase in the uterine (endometrial) cycle that occurs after ovulation.
• During the secretory phase, high levels of progesterone from the corpus luteum cause the uterine lining (endometrium) to become thick, vascular, and rich in secretions, preparing it for the potential implantation of a fertilized egg.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: The menstrual phase is characterized by the shedding of the uterine lining due to a sharp drop in progesterone and estrogen, which is the opposite of the events described.
• Option B: The proliferative phase is driven by estrogen from the growing follicle before ovulation, not by progesterone from the corpus luteum after ovulation.
• Option D: The follicular phase is the ovarian phase of follicle development that occurs before ovulation. The corpus luteum has not yet formed during this phase.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Phases of the menstrual cycle and hormonal regulation as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• Understanding the secretory phase is crucial for fertility counseling. The progesterone-rich, secretory endometrium is essential for successful implantation and the maintenance of early pregnancy.
• Many hormonal contraceptives contain progestins (synthetic progesterone). They work partly by altering the endometrium to make it less receptive to implantation, mimicking aspects of the late secretory phase or causing atrophy.
• The rise in progesterone during the secretory phase causes a slight increase (0.3–0.5°C) in basal body temperature. Nurses can educate patients on tracking this change to help identify the post-ovulatory period for fertility planning.

How to Approach the Question

• First, identify the key processes described in the question: stimulation by LH, development of the corpus luteum, and production of progesterone and estrogen.
• Recognize that these are the defining events of the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle, which occurs in the second half of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation.
• Next, examine the given options. Note that they include both uterine phases (Menstrual, Proliferative, Secretory) and an ovarian phase (Follicular).
• Correlate the ovarian phase (luteal) with its corresponding uterine phase. The high progesterone produced during the luteal phase acts on the uterus, causing it to enter the secretory phase.
• Therefore, the secretory phase is the uterine phase that occurs as a direct result of the hormonal events described in the question, making it the best answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Phases of the menstrual cycle and hormonal regulation
• Stem keywords: luteinizing hormone, corpus luteum, progesterone, estrogen, ovarian follicle
• Lead-in keywords: The phase is
• Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

Q-ZuULflaDgxrREUTmmQpR

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 2 p. 230-232

E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 3 p. 36-38

E6 Physiology Essentials Sembulingam 10e Part 2 p. 126-128