🧬 Hormone that Triggers Ovulation

In the human body, many important hormones are controlled by a small gland called the pituitary gland. It is located at the base of the brain and is often called the “master gland” because it controls many other glands in the body.

The pituitary gland has two main parts:

• Anterior pituitary (front part)
• Posterior pituitary (back part)

The anterior pituitary releases several hormones that regulate growth, reproduction, and metabolism.

What is Ovulation?
Ovulation is the process in which a mature egg (ovum) is released from the ovary. This usually happens once every menstrual cycle, around the middle of the cycle.

For ovulation to occur, a special hormone from the anterior pituitary must increase suddenly. This sudden increase is called the LH surge.

✅ Correct Answer: Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Why Luteinizing Hormone?
Luteinizing hormone (LH) directly triggers the release of the egg from the ovary. Without this hormone surge, ovulation does not occur.

After ovulation, LH also helps form the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone to support possible pregnancy.

Why the other options are not correct?

• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) → Helps the ovarian follicle grow, but it does not trigger ovulation.
• Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) → Acts on the adrenal glands, not the ovaries.
• Progesterone → This hormone is produced after ovulation to maintain pregnancy.

Simple Exam Trick:
LH surge → Ovulation
So remember: Luteinizing Hormone triggers ovulation.

💚 Exam Objective Nursing – Asha D
Concept clarity • Strong recall • Nursing success