What is the function of the hormone inhibin produced by the ovaries?

Inhibin is a hormone produced by the ovaries that primarily serves to regulate follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in the body. Its main function is to provide negative feedback to the anterior pituitary gland, which results in the limitation of FSH secretion. By doing so, inhibin plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle and reproductive function, ensuring that the ovaries do not produce excessive follicles and that FSH levels are kept within a balanced range. This feedback mechanism is vital for the proper regulation of the reproductive hormones and for the overall health of the reproductive system.

The other options focus on different functions that are not directly related to the function of inhibin. For instance, FSH production is stimulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus, not by inhibin. Enhancing estrogen levels is primarily the role of FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH) in folliculogenesis, rather than a direct effect of inhibin. Moreover, while inhibin plays a role in the regulation of the menstrual cycle, it does not initiate the cycles; that process is governed by various hormonal signals, including those involving GnRH, FSH, and LH.