Which of the following hormones stimulates the development of ovarian follicles?

The correct answer is FSH

Explanation:

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a gonadotropin, a type of hormone that plays a crucial role in the reproductive processes of both males and females.
• In females, FSH is essential for the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, which are the structures that contain the eggs.
• FSH is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and its release is regulated by the hypothalamus.
• FSH directly stimulates the development of ovarian follicles. It promotes the growth of the follicles in the ovary and the maturation of the oocytes (immature eggs) contained within them. This process is critical for ovulation and fertility.

Other Options:

• Estrogen: Estrogen is produced by the growing follicles and helps regulate the menstrual cycle and prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy.
• Progesterone: Progesterone is primarily involved in preparing the uterine lining for implantation of a fertilized egg and maintaining early pregnancy.
• LH (Luteinizing Hormone): LH triggers ovulation, the release of a mature egg from the ovarian follicle. After ovulation, LH helps maintain the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone to support early pregnancy. However, LH does not stimulate the initial development of ovarian follicles.