Final answer:
The hormone that stimulates egg development in ovarian follicles is follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which works alongside luteinizing hormone (LH) to regulate the menstrual cycle and prepare the body for pregnancy. FSH is released by the anterior pituitary gland and plays a key role in the growth of ovarian follicles and secretion of estrogen.
Step-by-step explanation:
The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is the pituitary gland hormone that stimulates egg development in ovarian follicles, growth of ovarian follicles, and secretion of estrogen by certain cells. In the female reproductive system, FSH is integral for the development of egg cells, known as ova, within the ovarian follicles. These follicles also produce the hormone inhibin, which serves to inhibit FSH production.
FSH, along with luteinizing hormone (LH), is released by the anterior pituitary gland in response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. These hormones are essential in regulating the menstrual cycle and preparing the body for pregnancy. LH further supports the development of ova, induces ovulation, and stimulates the production of estradiol (a form of estrogen) and progesterone in the ovaries.