Final answer:
FSH stimulates ovarian follicle growth and estrogen production, while LH induces ovulation and the production of progesterone by the corpus luteum. The interplay between these hormones, under the control of GnRH from the hypothalamus, regulates the menstrual cycle and prepares the endometrium for pregnancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH) are integral hormones in the ovarian cycle, influencing the development and function of the ovaries. FSH primarily stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles, which house the developing ova, whereas LH triggers ovulation and stimulates the production of ovarian steroid hormones, like estradiol and progesterone. At the onset of the menstrual cycle during the follicular phase, FSH encourages the maturation of follicles. The granulosa and theca cells within the follicles then produce estrogen, leading to a rise in estrogen levels that help regulate the cycle.
Subsequently, a surge in LH not only induces ovulation but also initiates the transformation of the remnant follicle into the corpus luteum. This corpus luteum secretes large amounts of progesterone, a critical hormone for pregnancy maintenance. If pregnancy does not occur, estrogen and progesterone levels drop, leading to menstruation, and the cycle recommences. It is this interplay between FSH, LH, and ovarian hormones that orchestrates the complex processes of egg maturation, ovulation, and preparation of the endometrium for potential pregnancy.