/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 37 Which hormone is primarily respo... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 34: Problem 37

Which hormone is primarily responsible for the contractions during labor? a. oxytocin b. estrogen c. ?-HCG d. progesterone

Short Answer

Expert verified
The hormone primarily responsible for contractions during labor is oxytocin.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the question

The question asks which hormone is primarily responsible for causing contractions during labor. This is related to the biological processes involved in childbirth.
02

List the given options

The options provided are: a. Oxytocin b. Estrogen c. ?-HCG d. Progesterone
03

Evaluate each hormone

a. Oxytocin: This hormone is well-known for its role in stimulating uterine contractions during labor. b. Estrogen: Important for maintaining pregnancy, but not primarily for contractions. c. ?-HCG: Primarily maintains the corpus luteum and pregnancy support. d. Progesterone: Supports pregnancy but inhibits uterine contractions until labor begins.
04

Identify the primary responsible hormone

Based on the function of each hormone, oxytocin is the one primarily responsible for initiating and stimulating contractions during labor.
05

Provide the answer

The correct answer is option a. Oxytocin.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Oxytocin
Oxytocin is often called the 'love hormone' due to its role in social bonding, sexual reproduction, and during childbirth. It is produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland.

During labor, oxytocin has a vital role:
  • It stimulates uterine muscles to contract.
  • Helps with the dilation of the cervix.
  • Plays a part in the release of breast milk after birth.
Oxytocin鈥檚 power to induce intense and productive contractions is why it is sometimes administered medically to induce or hasten labor. It not only helps start labor but also ensures that contractions are strong and coordinated, which is necessary for successful childbirth.
Uterine Contractions
Uterine contractions are critical in the labor process. They help move the baby through the birth canal. Here is how they function:

  • Contractions begin as the muscles of the uterus tighten and then relax.
  • They become more frequent and forceful as labor progresses.
  • This process helps push the baby out of the uterus and into the birth canal.
Oxytocin is the hormone responsible for triggering these contractions. Without uterine contractions, the process of childbirth would not be possible. The strength and frequency of the contractions help to push the baby out and ensure they are born safely.
Labor Process
The labor process is the culmination of pregnancy, marking the beginning of childbirth. It involves several key stages:

  • Early Labor: The cervix begins to dilate and efface (thin out). Contractions are mild and irregular.
  • Active Labor: Contractions become stronger and more regular. The cervix dilates more quickly. This is often the time to go to the hospital or birthing center.
  • Transition: The cervix dilates completely. Contractions are very strong and frequent. This is the most intense phase of labor.
  • Second Stage: Pushing and the birth of the baby. Contractions continue to aid in the delivery.
  • Third Stage: Delivery of the placenta. Contractions help to detach and push out the placenta.
Throughout labor, oxytocin plays a crucial role in ensuring the process progresses smoothly by inducing and regulating uterine contractions. Understanding these stages can help expectant parents prepare for what to expect during childbirth.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Due to global climate change and pollution, a lake experiences changes in temperature and pH. The lake has many species, including sexually reproducing frogs, water fleas that multiply by parthenogenesis, hydra that multiply by budding, and sponges that multiply by fragmentation. Which of these species will most likely survive the changing conditions of the lake? a. hydra b. sponges c. water fleas d. sexually-reproducing frogs

If multiple sperm were to combine with an egg, what would be the outcome? a. A cortical reaction would occur if multiple sperm combine with an egg, resulting in a genetically inviable embryo. b. The embryo would be genetically inviable and would die in a few days. The zygote might have multiple sets of chromosomes. c. The zygote might possess multiple sets of chromosomes, which will result in a neural tube defect in the developing fetus. d. The zygote would be viable, but the resulting embryo would be genetically inviable.

What occurs in the procedure known as in vitro fertilization (IVF)? a. A sperm is injected into the egg externally. b. An egg is fertilized by the sperm internally in the oviduct. c. Eggs and sperm are combined externally and then implanted. d. Egg and sperm are combined externally and the resulting embryo is implanted.

What are the events that take place in a non-pregnant woman after ovulation? a. Because a fertilized egg is not implanted into the uterus in a non-pregnant woman, the corpus luteum degenerates, and the levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease. The endometrium begins to degenerate as the progesterone level drops, initiating the next menstrual cycle. b. Because a fertilized egg is not implanted into the uterus in a non-pregnant woman, the corpus luteum degenerates, and the levels of estrogen and progesterone increase. The endometrium begins to degenerate as the estrogen level increases, initiating the next menstrual cycle. c. Because a fertilized egg is not implanted into the uterus in a non-pregnant woman, the corpus luteum degenerates and the levels of estrogen and progesterone increase. The endometrium begins to degenerate as the progesterone level rises, initiating the next menstrual cycle. d. Because a fertilized egg is not implanted into the uterus in a non-pregnant woman, the corpus luteum degenerates and the levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease. The myometrium begins to degenerate as the progesterone level drops, initiating the next menstrual cycle.

Why are the diploid zygotes produced after fertilization of sperm cells produced by spermatogenesis not similar? a. Their chromosome numbers are not the same. b. The size of the sperm produced are different. c. Some sperm may have a tail, whereas others may not. d. Crossing over occurs during spermatogenesis.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

Ecology

Read Explanation

Ecological Levels

Read Explanation

Microbiology

Read Explanation

Biological Structures

Read Explanation

Ecosystems

Read Explanation

Responding to Change

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.