Final answer:
The hormone that triggers ovulation in females, released by the anterior pituitary gland, is luteinizing hormone (LH). A surge in LH levels, responding to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), is critical for the release of an egg during the menstrual cycle. LH also stimulates the production of ovarian hormones essential for reproductive functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hormone released by the anterior pituitary gland that induces ovulation in females is luteinizing hormone (LH).
During the menstrual cycle, the hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the anterior pituitary to release both follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and LH. FSH promotes the maturation of ovarian follicles, while a surge in LH levels triggers ovulation, the release of an egg from the mature follicle. This positive feedback loop is essential for the regular menstrual cycle. Furthermore, LH plays a significant role in stimulating the production of estrogens and progesterone by the ovaries. These hormones are vital for endometrial regrowth, maintaining pregnancy, and developing secondary sexual characteristics in females, such as breast development and the regulation of the menstrual cycle.