Question

During the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle, progesterone secretion peaks and estrogen levels decrease. Along with these changes, there is a corresponding increase in a woman's basal body temperature. Which of the following hypotheses best explains this phenomenon?a. It is not the increase in progesterone, but the decrease in estrogen that may signal an increase in overall body temperature. This is because the decrease in estrogen reduces the negative feedback signal to the hypothalamus, the thermoregulator for the body. The result is an increase in overall basal body temperature.b. The corpus luteum, formed from the follicle that released the egg, matures. If the egg is not fertilized, the corpus luteum breaks down and is reabsorbed. The process of breaking down the corpus luteum gives off heat energy that is translated into increased body temperature.c. The luteal phase and progesterone secretion in the ovary correspond to the secretory phase of the uterine cycle. During this time, the endometrial lining proliferates. Along with this increase in thickness, more blood vessels are formed. The combination of lining and blood vessels increases overall body temperature.d. Basal body temperature increase is a function of ovulation. Once the egg is released from the ovary, it signals an increase in body temperature to facilitate fertilization because sperm function more efficiently at higher temperatures.

Answer 1

The correct answer is statement a.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hypothesis refers to a proposed explanation or a supposition formulated on the groundwork of confined evidence as an initiation point for further investigation. It is mentioned that there is an elevation in the basal body temperature in a woman due to an increase in the secretion of progesterone and decrease in the levels of estrogen.

The phenomenon can be illustrated by the fact that it is not the elevation of progesterone, however, it is the decline in the level of estrogen, which may be signaling an enhancement in the overall temperature of the body.

The reduction in the levels of estrogen diminishes the negative feedback signal to the hypothalamus, that is, the thermoregulator of the body. The outcome is an elevation in the entire basal body temperature.