Maternity Nursing: Antepartum Q 18
The chief function of progesterone is the:
A. Development of the female reproductive system.
B. Stimulation of the follicles for ovulation to occur.
C. Preparation of the uterus to receive a fertilized egg.
D. Establishment of secondary male sex characteristics.
Correct Answer: C. Preparation of the uterus to receive a fertilized egg.
Progesterone stimulates differentiation of the endometrium into a secretory type of tissue. Progesterone is an endogenous steroid hormone that is commonly produced by the adrenal cortex as well as the gonads, which consist of the ovaries and the testes.
Option A: The increase of progesterone, specifically in the menstrual cycle, occurs due to the initiation of a mid-cycle luteinizing hormone (LH) surge near the end of the follicular phase. This mid-cycle rise of progesterone also allows for an increase in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
Option B: At the end of the LH and FSH surge, the menstrual cycle begins the luteal phase, during which progesterone prepares the endometrium in a woman’s uterus to receive and nourish the fertilized egg, also known as implantation during the luteal phase.
Option D: Testosterone is the primary male hormone responsible for regulating sex differentiation, producing male sex characteristics, spermatogenesis and fertility.