Corpus Luteum & Progesterone Role — NEET Biology
✅ Asked in NEET 2024Both LH and FSH attain a peak level in the middle of cycle (about 14th day). Rapid secretion of LH leading to its maximum level during the mid-cycle called LH surge induces rupture of Graafian follicle and thereby the release of ovum (ovulation). The ovulation (ovulatory phase) is followed by the luteal phase during which the remaining parts of the Graafian follicle transform as the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum secretes large amounts of progesterone which is essential for maintenance of the endometrium. Such an endometrium is necessary for implantation of the fertilised ovum and other events of pregnancy. During pregnancy all events of the menstrual cycle stop and there is no menstruation. In the absence of fertilisation, the corpus luteum degenerates. This causes disintegration of the endometrium leading to menstruation, marking a new cycle. In human beings, menstrual cycles ceases around 50 years of age; that is termed as menopause. Cyclic menstruation is an indicator of normal reproductive phase and extends between menarche and menopause.
NTA tests students' understanding of the corpus luteum's role and hormonal control during the menstrual cycle, particularly the LH surge mechanism and progesterone's function. The most common student mistake is confusing when the corpus luteum forms (after ovulation, not before) or forgetting that progesterone maintains the endometrium for pregnancy implantation. Another trap is not understanding that corpus luteum degeneration without fertilization triggers menstruation. To get it right, remember the sequence: LH surge → ovulation → corpus luteum formation → progesterone secretion → endometrial maintenance. Without fertilization, the corpus luteum degenerates, causing endometrial breakdown and menstruation. This concept directly tests hormonal regulation and cycle physiology—core NEET topics.
This paragraph was tested 4 times in NEET.
Given below are two statements: Statement I: Degeneration of corpus luteum in the absence of fertilisation is the cause for disintegration of endometrium. Statement II: Cyclic menstruation indicates normal reproductive phase in human females and extends between menarche and menopause.
Assertion (A): During menstrual cycle, ovulation takes place approximately on 14th day. Reason (R): Rapid secretion of LH in the middle of menstrual cycle induces rupture of Graafian follicle and thereby the release of ovum. Choose the correct answer:
Which of the following hormone levels will cause release of ovum (ovulation) from the Graafian follicle?
Select the incorrect statement:
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