Which organs form the primary control center of the oestrous cycle?

• A. Ovaries
• B. Adrenal glands
• C. Pineal gland
• D. Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland

Answer: (D)

The hypothalamus and pituitary gland form the primary control center for the oestrous cycle. The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone in pulses, which prompts the anterior pituitary to release follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone. These gonadotropins act on the ovaries to drive follicle development, ovulation, and the production of oestrogen and progesterone. The cycle is coordinated by this hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, with ovarian hormones providing feedback to modulate GnRH and gonadotropin release. The adrenal and pineal glands don’t set the cycle’s rhythm, though they can influence related processes in specific contexts; they’re not the primary regulators.