Identify the hormone essential for maintenance of the endometrium during menstrual cycle.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Progesterone
After ovulation, the part of the Graafian follicle left in the ovary turns into the corpus luteum. This is the luteal (secretory) phase of the cycle. The corpus luteum secretes large amounts of progesterone. Progesterone keeps the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) thick and ready for the implantation of the embryo.
(1) LH — Incorrect. LH (luteinising hormone) is a gonadotropin of the anterior pituitary. The LH surge in the middle of the cycle causes ovulation. LH does not itself keep the endometrium.
(2) FSH — Incorrect. FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), the other pituitary gonadotropin, helps the ovarian follicles to grow in the follicular phase.
(3) Progesterone — Correct. Progesterone from the corpus luteum maintains the endometrium. When the corpus luteum breaks down and progesterone falls, the endometrium breaks down and menstruation starts.
(4) Estrogen — Incorrect. Estrogen from the growing follicles makes the endometrium grow again (proliferate) after menstruation. It builds the lining; progesterone keeps it.
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NCERT Extract:
Menstrual Cycle – …
