Which hormone stimulates ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum?

The hormone that stimulates ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum is Luteinizing Hormone (LH). LH plays a crucial role in the female reproductive cycle. During the menstrual cycle, a surge in LH levels triggers ovulation, which is the release of a mature egg from the ovarian follicle. Following ovulation, LH is responsible for promoting the development of the corpus luteum from the remnants of the ruptured follicle. The corpus luteum then secretes progesterone, which is essential for maintaining the uterine lining in preparation for a potential pregnancy.

In the context of the other hormones listed, Oxytocin is primarily involved in uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection during breastfeeding, not in the process of ovulation or corpus luteum formation. Relaxin is a hormone primarily known for its role in pregnancy, particularly in facilitating childbirth by relaxing the pelvic ligaments. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is essential in stimulating the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, but it does not trigger ovulation or directly lead to the formation of the corpus luteum. Therefore, LH is the hormone that specifically fulfills the role of inducing ovulation and supporting the formation of the corpus luteum.