The following is true about estrogen:

a) It is essential for development of female external genitalia
b) Is released only during the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle
c) Is released from granulosa cells
d) Its secretion is decreased by inhibin
e) Its receptors are located on cell membranes

a) It is essential for development of female external genitalia

c) Is released from granulosa cells

The correct statements about estrogen are:

a) It is essential for the development of female external genitalia. Estrogen plays a crucial role in the development of female reproductive organs, including the external genitalia.

c) It is released from granulosa cells. Estrogen is primarily produced and released by granulosa cells, which are found in the ovarian follicles.

d) Its secretion is decreased by inhibin. Inhibin is a hormone that is produced by granulosa cells, and one of its functions is to inhibit the release of estrogen. Therefore, the secretion of estrogen is indeed decreased by inhibin.

e) Its receptors are located on cell membranes. Estrogen receptors can be found on the cell membrane, as well as in the nuclei of target cells. This allows estrogen to exert its effects through both rapid membrane-initiated signaling and genomic signaling.

The correct statements about estrogen are:

a) It is essential for the development of female external genitalia: Estrogen plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of female secondary sexual characteristics, including the growth and maturation of the external genitalia.

c) It is released from granulosa cells: Estrogen is primarily produced by the granulosa cells in the ovaries. These cells surround the developing egg (follicle) and produce estrogen as a part of the process of egg maturation.

e) Its receptors are located on cell membranes: Estrogen receptors can be found on both the nuclear membranes and the cell membranes. When estrogen binds to its receptors on the cell membrane, it triggers signaling pathways that regulate various cellular functions.

To determine which statements are correct, we will evaluate each option by process of elimination:

Option b) Is released only during the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle: This statement is incorrect. While estrogen is indeed released during the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle, it is also released at other times. It plays a role in the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system throughout the menstrual cycle.

Option d) Its secretion is decreased by inhibin: This statement is partially correct. Inhibin is a hormone released by the granulosa cells of the ovaries. It acts to inhibit the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland, which in turn can affect estrogen secretion. However, inhibin does not directly decrease the secretion of estrogen.

Therefore, the correct statements about estrogen are a), c), and e).