Question

Which of the following secretes the hormone, relaxin, during the later phase of pregnancy

• A. Uterus
• B. Graafian follicle
• C. Corpus luteum
• D. Foetus

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The hormone relaxin plays a crucial role during pregnancy. It is primarily responsible for relaxing the ligaments in the pelvis and softening and widening the cervix, which helps facilitate childbirth.

To determine which of the entities listed secretes relaxin during the later phase of pregnancy, consider the following:

1. Uterus: While the uterus undergoes significant changes during pregnancy, it is not responsible for the secretion of relaxin.
2. Graafian follicle: The Graafian follicle is part of the ovarian cycle and is involved in the maturation and release of the egg. It does not secrete relaxin.
3. Corpus luteum: During pregnancy, the corpus luteum, which is formed from the Graafian follicle after ovulation, produces hormones necessary for maintaining the early stages of pregnancy. Among these hormones is relaxin, which aids in preparing the body for childbirth. Relaxin production later in pregnancy is taken over by the placenta, but initially, it is secreted by the corpus luteum.
4. Foetus: The foetus does not secrete relaxin.

The hormone relaxin is therefore primarily secreted by the corpus luteum during the later phase of pregnancy.

Thus, the correct answer is the Corpus luteum.