Question

Describe the role of pituitary and ovarian hormones during the menstrual cycle in a human female.

Answer 1

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone are pituitary hormones. Oestrogen and progesterone are ovarian hormones.

Functions of pituitary and ovarian hormones:

Hormone	Functions
FSH	i. Stimulates the ovarian follicles to secrete oestrogen. ii. Stimulates the proliferation of the endometrium of the uterine wall. iii. Stimulates the maturation of Graafian follicles.
LH	i. Stimulates the release of ovum. ii. Develops corpus luteum and secretion of progesterone. iii. Maintains pregnancy
Oestrogen	i. Controls the changes in the secondary sex organs in the first half of the menstrual cycle. ii. Stimulates growth, maturation and functions of secondary sex organs. iii. Repairs the damaged tissues of the uterus and fallopian tubes after menstruation. iv. Stimulates the maturation of ova development of uterine lining and mammary glands.
Progesterone	i. Facilitates the preparation of the endometrium for implantation. ii. Inhibits the contraction of the uterus and the development of new follicles.