Which hormone stimulates growth and maturation of the Graafian follicles?

• A. FSH
• B. LH
• C. Estrogen
• D. Progesterone

Answer: (A)

Growth and maturation of Graafian follicles are driven primarily by FSH, which stimulates the granulosa cells of developing follicles to proliferate and to produce estrogen. This action promotes follicular growth during the early to mid-follicular phase and helps create the estrogen-rich environment that supports further maturation. LH comes into play later, mainly triggering ovulation and supporting the corpus luteum after the follicle ruptures. Estrogen increases as the follicles mature, but this rise results from FSH-driven granulosa activity rather than initiating follicle growth itself. Progesterone is produced after ovulation by the corpus luteum and is not involved in driving the initial growth of the follicles.