Which statement best describes the roles of LH and FSH in females versus males?

Which statement best describes the roles of LH and FSH in females versus males?

• A. In females, LH stimulates ovarian follicles and FSH stimulates estradiol; in males, FSH stimulates Leydig cells to secrete testosterone and LH acts on Sertoli cells.
• B. In females, FSH stimulates growth of ovarian follicles and works with LH to stimulate production of estradiol by the ovaries; in males, LH stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to secrete testosterone, while FSH acts on Sertoli cells to stimulate gametogenesis and gonadal growth.
• C. In females, FSH stimulates breast development; in males, LH stimulates spermatogenesis.
• D. In females, LH stimulates the onset of puberty; in males, FSH stimulates puberty onset.

Answer: (B)

LH and FSH act as gonadotropins with sex-specific targets that work together to regulate reproductive function. In the female, FSH promotes the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles and stimulates the granulosa cells to produce estrogen, while LH stimulates the theca cells to make androgens that granulosa cells convert to estradiol; together they drive estrogen production and follicular development. In the male, LH acts on Leydig cells to secrete testosterone, which supports male traits and(testicular) function, and FSH acts on Sertoli cells to support spermatogenesis and overall gonadal growth. This combination—FSH supporting follicle growth and estrogen production in females, and LH driving testosterone with FSH promoting Sertoli-cell–mediated gametogenesis in males—best matches the physiological roles.

LH and FSH act as gonadotropins with sex-specific targets that work together to regulate reproductive function. In the female, FSH promotes the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles and stimulates the granulosa cells to produce estrogen, while LH stimulates the theca cells to make androgens that granulosa cells convert to estradiol; together they drive estrogen production and follicular development. In the male, LH acts on Leydig cells to secrete testosterone, which supports male traits and(testicular) function, and FSH acts on Sertoli cells to support spermatogenesis and overall gonadal growth. This combination—FSH supporting follicle growth and estrogen production in females, and LH driving testosterone with FSH promoting Sertoli-cell–mediated gametogenesis in males—best matches the physiological roles.