What is the primary function of the corpus luteum?
To secrete estrogen during the follicular phase
To produce progesterone during the luteal phase
To release the ovum during ovulation
To stimulate GnRH secretion
The Correct Answer is B
Corpus luteum
The corpus luteum is a temporary endocrine structure formed from the ruptured Graafian follicle after ovulation. It secretes high levels of progesterone, moderate estrogen, and minimal inhibin A to maintain the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone levels peak around day 21 of a 28-day cycle and range from 5–20 ng/mL in the mid-luteal phase. Its main role is to stabilize the endometrial lining for potential implantation and to inhibit GnRH, FSH, and LH via negative feedback. If fertilization does not occur, it regresses into the corpus albicans, causing a drop in hormones and onset of menstruation.
Rationale for correct answer
B. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone during the luteal phase to maintain the endometrium for possible implantation. It forms after ovulation and is hormonally dependent on LH for function.
Rationale for incorrect answers
A. Estrogen is secreted mainly by the dominant follicle during the follicular phase, not by the corpus luteum. The follicular phase precedes ovulation, and the corpus luteum forms after ovulation.
C. The ovum is released by the ruptured follicle due to the LH surge, not by the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum forms after ovulation and plays no direct role in ovum release.
D. GnRH is secreted by the hypothalamus and regulated by sex steroid feedback. The corpus luteum does not stimulate GnRH; in fact, progesterone from the corpus luteum inhibits it.
Take home points
- The corpus luteum secretes progesterone to maintain the endometrium.
- It forms after ovulation from the ruptured follicle.
- It does not release the ovum; that happens before it forms.
- Its hormones inhibit GnRH, FSH, and LH to prevent further ovulation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
The anterior pituitary secretes follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), two key gonadotropins that regulate the ovarian cycle and control the secretion of ovarian hormones (estrogen and progesterone). FSH (normal: 3–20 IU/L) promotes follicular growth and estrogen production during the follicular phase, while LH (normal: 5–20 IU/L) triggers ovulation and stimulates the formation and function of the corpus luteum during the luteal phase. Their secretion is stimulated by GnRH from the hypothalamus in a pulsatile manner.
Rationale for correct answers
A. FSH is secreted by the anterior pituitary and stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles and the synthesis of estradiol by granulosa cells.
B. LH is also released from the anterior pituitary and is responsible for triggering ovulation and maintaining the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone during the luteal phase.
Rationale for incorrect answers
C. GnRH is not secreted by the anterior pituitary—it is secreted by the hypothalamus and acts on the anterior pituitary to stimulate the release of FSH and LH.
D. Estrogen is produced by granulosa cells of the ovarian follicles, not by the anterior pituitary. Its secretion is regulated by FSH.
E. Progesterone is secreted by the corpus luteum in the ovary after ovulation. It is not an anterior pituitary hormone.
Take home points
- FSH and LH are the two anterior pituitary hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.
- GnRH is from the hypothalamus, not the anterior pituitary.
- Estrogen and progesterone are secreted by the ovaries under pituitary control.
- Pituitary hormones initiate and regulate ovulation and corpus luteum function.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Corpus luteum
The corpus luteum is a temporary endocrine structure formed from the ruptured Graafian follicle after ovulation. It secretes high levels of progesterone, moderate estrogen, and minimal inhibin A to maintain the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone levels peak around day 21 of a 28-day cycle and range from 5–20 ng/mL in the mid-luteal phase. Its main role is to stabilize the endometrial lining for potential implantation and to inhibit GnRH, FSH, and LH via negative feedback. If fertilization does not occur, it regresses into the corpus albicans, causing a drop in hormones and onset of menstruation.
Rationale for correct answer
B. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone during the luteal phase to maintain the endometrium for possible implantation. It forms after ovulation and is hormonally dependent on LH for function.
Rationale for incorrect answers
A. Estrogen is secreted mainly by the dominant follicle during the follicular phase, not by the corpus luteum. The follicular phase precedes ovulation, and the corpus luteum forms after ovulation.
C. The ovum is released by the ruptured follicle due to the LH surge, not by the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum forms after ovulation and plays no direct role in ovum release.
D. GnRH is secreted by the hypothalamus and regulated by sex steroid feedback. The corpus luteum does not stimulate GnRH; in fact, progesterone from the corpus luteum inhibits it.
Take home points
- The corpus luteum secretes progesterone to maintain the endometrium.
- It forms after ovulation from the ruptured follicle.
- It does not release the ovum; that happens before it forms.
- Its hormones inhibit GnRH, FSH, and LH to prevent further ovulation.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.