Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What is the function of the follicle in female reproduction?

1. To secrete testosterone

2. To support egg development and secrete hormones

3. To house sperm during fertilization

4. To prevent ovulation

The correct answer is: To support egg development and secrete hormones

The function of the follicle in female reproduction is crucial for the development of eggs, or oocytes, and the secretion of hormones necessary for regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting pregnancy. Each ovarian follicle contains an immature egg and provides the environment needed for the egg to mature. As the follicle develops, it produces key hormones, primarily estrogen, which plays an essential role in the regulation of the reproductive process, including promoting the growth of the uterine lining in preparation for a possible pregnancy. This hormonal secretion is vital for coordinating the menstrual cycle and triggering ovulation when the mature egg is released. The follicular phase of the menstrual cycle is marked by the growth and maturation of these follicles, leading up to ovulation when one or more follicles rupture to release the eggs. The other options do not accurately represent the primary role of the follicle within the female reproductive system. For instance, the secretion of testosterone is not a function of the ovarian follicles, as testosterone is primarily produced by the adrenal glands and the ovaries in smaller amounts. Housing sperm is not a function associated with follicles; rather, this occurs typically in the female reproductive tract following intercourse. Preventing ovulation is not a direct function of follicles; rather, it is influenced by other