Which one of the following hormones is essential for maintenance of t…

The correct answer is Option (1) → Progesterone

The endometrium is the inner glandular lining of the uterus. It thickens in every menstrual cycle so that a fertilised ovum can implant in it. If it is not kept up, it breaks down and is shed as menstruation.

Option (1) Progesterone — Correct. After ovulation, the remaining parts of the Graafian follicle form the corpus luteum. It secretes large amounts of progesterone, which keeps the endometrium ready for implantation. When the corpus luteum degenerates and progesterone falls, the endometrium breaks down and menstruation begins.

Option (2) Follicle stimulating hormone — Incorrect. FSH comes from the pituitary. It stimulates the growth of the ovarian follicles and their secretion of estrogens in the follicular phase. It does not act on the endometrium.

Option (3) Estrogens — Incorrect. Estrogens from the growing follicles make the endometrium regenerate and grow in the follicular phase. They build the lining, but its maintenance after ovulation is the work of progesterone.

Option (4) Oxytocin — Incorrect. Oxytocin from the pituitary causes strong contractions of the uterine muscle at the end of pregnancy, which push the baby out. It has no role in keeping the endometrium.

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NCERT Extract:
Menstrual Cycle – “… The ovulation (ovulatory phase) is followed by the luteal phase during which the remaining parts of the Graafian follicle transform as the corpus luteum (Figure 2.9). The corpus luteum secretes large amounts of progesterone which is essential for maintenance of the endometrium. Such an endometrium is necessary for implantation of the fertilised ovum and other events of pregnancy.”