Which hormone stimulates production of eggs and sperm and causes follicles in ovaries to mature?

• A. Luteinizing hormone
• B. Adrenocorticotropic hormone
• C. Follicle-stimulating hormone
• D. Thyroid-stimulating hormone

Answer: (C)

Follicle-stimulating hormone is the one that drives both egg and sperm production. It’s released by the anterior pituitary and acts on the gonads. In females, FSH stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, helping eggs develop and triggering estrogen production as the follicles mature. In males, FSH acts on Sertoli cells to support the process of spermatogenesis, leading to sperm production. The other hormones have different roles: luteinizing hormone triggers ovulation and testosterone production, ACTH stimulates cortisol release from the adrenal cortex, and thyroid-stimulating hormone activates the thyroid to make thyroid hormones. So the hormone that fits the description is FSH.