Which hormone triggers ovulation in females and is released by the anterior pituitary gland?

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is the hormone responsible for triggering ovulation in females. It is released by the anterior pituitary gland and plays a key role in the reproductive system. During the menstrual cycle, a surge in LH levels signals the ovary to release a mature egg. This occurs approximately midway through the cycle, known as the ovulatory phase.

The anterior pituitary gland regulates LH production in response to signals from the hypothalamus, which releases Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH). While GnRH is crucial for stimulating the release of LH and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), it does not directly cause ovulation itself. Instead, it governs the release of both LH and FSH from the anterior pituitary, which are essential for follicle development and ovulation.

Understanding the role of LH is important in the context of female fertility and reproductive health, as it not only triggers ovulation but also prepares the body for potential pregnancy by stimulating the formation of the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone after ovulation.

In summary, LH’s critical function in initiating ovulation makes it the correct answer, as it is the specific hormone released by the anterior pituitary gland