Explain how the hormone FSH and the hormone LH work together to control the release of an egg during the menstrual cycle.

WJEC A-Level Biology (Wales) — 4.1 Reproductive biology · Explain · 5 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

During the menstrual cycle, hormones released by the pituitary gland control the maturation and release of an egg from the ovary.

Model answer (5 marks)

FSH is released by the pituitary gland and travels in the bloodstream to the ovary, where it stimulates the maturation of an egg.
LH is also released by the pituitary gland and, together with FSH, travels in the bloodstream to the ovary. LH then stimulates the release of the mature egg from the ovary (ovulation).

Examiner tips

Use the exact terms FSH, LH, pituitary gland, ovary, maturation, ovulation
Show the sequence: pituitary → bloodstream → ovary
Mention both hormones travel in the bloodstream

Common mistakes

Confusing FSH with LH function, e.g., saying FSH causes ovulation
Omitting that both hormones travel via the bloodstream
Using vague terms like "hormones" without specifying FSH and LH

Mark scheme (5 marks)

FSH is released by the pituitary gland
FSH stimulates/causes the maturation of an egg in the ovary
LH is released by the pituitary gland
LH stimulates the release of the egg from the ovary (ovulation)
Both FSH and LH travel in the bloodstream to reach the ovary as target organ

Key terms in this question

FSH · LH