Question 31 markMCQSection A

Select the option that shows correct statements :

(i) Corpus luteum secretes progesterone.

(ii) Only FSH attains a peak level in middle of cycle.

(iii) LH surge induces rupture of graafian follicle.

(iv) Luteal phase of menstrual cycle is also called proliferative phase.

Human Reproduction
Menstrual Cycle — Hormonal Events

Options

(A)Only (ii) is correct.
(B)(i) and (iii) are correct.
(C)Only (iv) is correct.
(D)(ii) and (iv) are correct.

Official answer

Correct option: B — (i) and (iii) are correct


Statement-by-statement:


  1. (i) True — the corpus luteum secretes large amounts of progesterone.
  2. (iii) True — the mid-cycle LH surge triggers ovulation (rupture of the Graafian follicle).
  3. (ii) False — both LH and FSH attain a peak around day 14, not FSH alone.
  4. (iv) False — the luteal phase is the secretory phase; the follicular phase is the proliferative phase.
Answer keywords:corpus luteumprogesteroneLH surgeovulationGraafian follicleluteal phasemenstrual cycleFSH

Marking scheme

  1. 1.1 mark: correct option B — (i) and (iii) correct.
  2. 2.Requires recognition that both LH and FSH peak mid-cycle and that the luteal phase is secretory, not proliferative.

Hint

Corpus luteum → progesterone; LH surge → ovulation. Check the 'only FSH' and 'luteal = proliferative' claims carefully.

Quick oral answer

Statements (i) and (iii) are correct — the corpus luteum secretes progesterone and the mid-cycle LH surge ruptures the Graafian follicle, causing ovulation.

Common mistakes

  1. 1.Believing only FSH peaks at mid-cycle — in fact both LH and FSH peak, with LH surging sharply.
  2. 2.Calling the luteal phase the proliferative phase — the luteal phase is the secretory phase.
  3. 3.Attributing progesterone secretion to the Graafian follicle instead of the corpus luteum.

Analysis and explanation

Concept


The menstrual cycle (~28 days) is controlled by the pituitary gonadotropins (FSH, LH) and ovarian hormones (estrogen, progesterone) across the follicular, ovulatory and luteal phases.


Verifying each statement


  • (i) Corpus luteum secretes progesterone — Correct. After ovulation the ruptured follicle forms the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to maintain the endometrium.
  • (iii) LH surge induces rupture of the Graafian follicle — Correct. A rapid mid-cycle rise in LH (the LH surge, ~day 14) causes ovulation.
  • (ii) Only FSH peaks mid-cycle — Incorrect. Per NCERT, both LH and FSH attain a peak level in the middle of the cycle; LH shows the sharper surge.
  • (iv) Luteal phase = proliferative phase — Incorrect. The luteal phase is the secretory phase; the proliferative (follicular) phase precedes ovulation.

Conclusion


Only (i) and (iii) are true, so option B is correct.


Exam trap


The words "only FSH" and equating luteal with proliferative are classic distractors; remember luteal = secretory.

Interesting facts

The LH surge is one of the sharpest hormonal spikes in human physiology and is the basis of over-the-counter ovulation predictor kits.

If fertilisation does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates into the corpus albicans, progesterone falls, and menstruation begins.

Question details

Q3 of 37 questions

Board
CBSE
Class
Class 12
Subject
Biology
Year
2026
Section
Section A
Marks
1
Type
MCQ
Chapter
Human Reproduction
Topic
Menstrual Cycle — Hormonal Events
Bloom's level
analyze
Syllabus topic
Unit VI: Reproduction — Human Reproduction: Menstrual Cycle and its Hormonal Regulation
Author
CBSE
Reviewed by
Padhantu Academic Team

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Frequently asked questions

Does only FSH peak in the middle of the menstrual cycle?

No. According to NCERT, both LH and FSH attain a peak level in the middle of the cycle (around day 14), although the LH surge is the sharper and physiologically decisive rise that triggers ovulation.

Why is the luteal phase not called the proliferative phase?

The luteal phase is the secretory phase, when the corpus luteum secretes progesterone and the endometrium becomes secretory. The proliferative phase is the earlier follicular phase, when estrogen rebuilds the endometrium.