Which hormone relaxes collagenous tissues and ligaments during pregnancy?

Study for the Sacramento State Medic Module 6 Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your assessment!

Multiple Choice

Which hormone relaxes collagenous tissues and ligaments during pregnancy?

Explanation:
Relaxin is the hormone responsible for relaxing collagen-rich tissues and ligaments during pregnancy. It promotes remodeling of connective tissue by increasing enzymes that break down collagen and by altering collagen synthesis, which makes ligaments, especially in the pelvis, more elastic. This pelvic loosening and cervical softening help the body accommodate childbirth. Other hormones in pregnancy have different roles—estrogen supports tissue growth and vaginal/cervical changes, progesterone maintains pregnancy and reduces uterine contractions, and LH is involved in ovarian function—not in ligament laxity.

Relaxin is the hormone responsible for relaxing collagen-rich tissues and ligaments during pregnancy. It promotes remodeling of connective tissue by increasing enzymes that break down collagen and by altering collagen synthesis, which makes ligaments, especially in the pelvis, more elastic. This pelvic loosening and cervical softening help the body accommodate childbirth. Other hormones in pregnancy have different roles—estrogen supports tissue growth and vaginal/cervical changes, progesterone maintains pregnancy and reduces uterine contractions, and LH is involved in ovarian function—not in ligament laxity.

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