What is the role of FSH and LH in the ovaries?

• A. They ovulate immediately
• B. They stimulate several ovarian follicles to mature
• C. They inhibit estrogen production
• D. They stimulate testosterone production

Answer: (B)

FSH and LH coordinate the ovarian cycle. Early in the cycle, FSH drives the growth and maturation of several ovarian follicles by acting on granulosa cells and promoting estrogen production. This recruitment means multiple follicles begin to mature, though typically only one becomes the dominant follicle that will ovulate. The LH surge then triggers ovulation of that mature follicle and supports formation of the corpus luteum. So the role in the ovaries is to stimulate several follicles to mature. The other options don’t fit: ovulation is not immediate and is driven by the LH surge; estrogen production is increased, not inhibited; and testosterone production is not the primary role of these hormones in the ovaries.