Which hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, stimulates the development of ovarian follicles?

• A. Luteinizing hormone (LH)
• B. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• C. Estrogen
• D. Progesterone

Answer: (B)

The hormone responsible for stimulating the development of ovarian follicles is follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH plays a crucial role in the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, which are the structures that contain the developing eggs inside the ovaries. As FSH levels increase during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, it promotes the proliferation of granulosa cells within the follicles, ultimately aiding in the maturation of the eggs.

This process is vital for successful ovulation and is integral to female fertility. Without adequate levels of FSH, the follicles may not develop properly, potentially leading to conditions such as anovulation or infertility.

While luteinizing hormone (LH) is also produced by the pituitary gland and is important for triggering ovulation, it primarily acts later in the follicular phase to stimulate the release of the mature egg. Estrogen and progesterone are hormones produced mainly by the ovaries and play roles in the regulation of the menstrual cycle but do not stimulate the development of ovarian follicles directly. Therefore, FSH is the key hormone in follicle development.