Question

FSH is secreted by
(a) The anterior lobe of the pituitary
(b) Hypothalamus
(c) Gonads
(d) The posterior lobe of the pituitary

Answer 1

Hint: FSH is mainly secreted from a structure that originates from Rathke’s pouch. This structure secretes a total of six hormones. Growth hormone and prolactin are two hormones secreted from this part.

Complete answer:
Follicle Stimulating Hormone is a gonadotropin that is a glycoprotein polypeptide hormone. F It stands for a follicle-stimulating hormone which is a hormone that helps with the synthesis and secretion of the gonadotropic cells and is a glycoprotein polypeptide hormone of the anterior pituitary gland. FSH regulates the growth, development, pubertal maturation, and reproductive processes of the body.
In both the genders, FSH functions as a stimulator for the maturation of primordial germ cells.
In males, it induces the Sertoli cells found in seminiferous tubules to secrete androgen binding proteins (ABPs) that are regulated by the negative feedback mechanism of inhibition on the anterior pituitary. Specifically, the activation of Sertoli cells by Follicle Stimulating Hormone sustains spermatogenesis and also stimulates inhibin B secretion.
In females, FSH initiates follicular growth, which affects granulosa cells. With a corresponding increase in inhibin B, the FSH levels then decline in the late follicular phase. This is critical in selecting the most advanced follicle to proceed with ovulation. At the end of the luteal phase, a slight rise in FSH concentration is seen that seems to be of importance in order to start the next ovulatory cycle.

So, the answer is, “Anterior lobe of pituitary gland”.

Note:
- FSH also works with the Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in the reproductive system.
- GnRH or Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone plays an important role in the FSH secretion, as it is shown that hypothalamic-pituitary disconnection leads to the cessation of FSH secretion.
- FSH is also subjected to an estrogen feedback loop from the gonads via the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis.