Which of the following hormones is predominantly produced by the ovarian follicles?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option B
- The ovarian follicles are primarily responsible for the production of estrogen.
- During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, granulosa cells within the follicles convert androgens into estrogen, which plays a crucial role in the development of the female reproductive system, regulation of the menstrual cycle, and preparation of the endometrium for possible pregnancy.
- Progesterone (Option 1) is mainly produced by the corpus luteum after ovulation, not by the ovarian follicles.
- Testosterone (Option 3) is produced in small amounts by the theca cells of the ovaries but is predominantly an androgen hormone more associated with male physiology.
- Oxytocin (Option 4) is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland; it is involved in labor and lactation, not ovarian function.
Thus, the correct answer is Estrogen (Option 2), as it is the dominant hormone synthesized and secreted by the developing ovarian follicles.
Reference: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th Edition, Chapter 61 – Female Reproductive Physiology
- During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, granulosa cells within the follicles convert androgens into estrogen, which plays a crucial role in the development of the female reproductive system, regulation of the menstrual cycle, and preparation of the endometrium for possible pregnancy.
- Progesterone (Option 1) is mainly produced by the corpus luteum after ovulation, not by the ovarian follicles.
- Testosterone (Option 3) is produced in small amounts by the theca cells of the ovaries but is predominantly an androgen hormone more associated with male physiology.
- Oxytocin (Option 4) is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland; it is involved in labor and lactation, not ovarian function.
Thus, the correct answer is Estrogen (Option 2), as it is the dominant hormone synthesized and secreted by the developing ovarian follicles.
Reference: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th Edition, Chapter 61 – Female Reproductive Physiology
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