1 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.

Q: 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.

**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.

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:

(i) True — the corpus luteum secretes large amounts of progesterone.
(iii) True — the mid-cycle LH surge triggers ovulation (rupture of the Graafian follicle).
(ii) False — both LH and FSH attain a peak around day 14, not FSH alone.
(iv) False — the luteal phase is the secretory phase; the follicular phase is the proliferative phase.

corpus luteumprogesteroneLH surgeovulationGraafian follicleluteal phasemenstrual cycleFSH

Marking Scheme

11 mark: correct option B — (i) and (iii) correct.
2Requires 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.

Analysis & 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.

Common Mistakes

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

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.

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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.