Cambridge O Level Biology · Syllabus 5090 · Development of Organisms and Continuity of Life
Follicle Stimulating Hormone
What is Follicle Stimulating Hormone?
A hormone produced by the pituitary gland, usually written FSH. It stimulates an egg to develop inside a follicle in the ovary, and stimulates the ovary to secrete oestrogen. FSH does not cause ovulation; LH does.
This definition is part of the Development of Organisms and Continuity of Life chapter in Cambridge O Level Biology.
Questions students ask about Follicle Stimulating Hormone
Which hormone causes ovulation?
LH — luteinising hormone — released from the pituitary gland. A sharp rise in LH triggers the release of the egg from the ovary. FSH, also from the pituitary, does something different: it causes an egg to develop inside a follicle and stimulates the ovary to secrete oestrogen. The name FSH — follicle stimulating hormone — states its job, which makes the pair easier to keep apart.