Relaxin is secreted by which endocrine gland ?

Options

A. Corpus luteum
B. Pituitary
C. Pineal
D. Ovary

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Relaxin**: Relaxin is a hormone that plays a crucial role during pregnancy. It helps in relaxing the pelvic ligaments and softening the cervix, which is essential for childbirth.

2. **Identifying the Source of Relaxin**: The question asks which endocrine gland secretes relaxin. To answer this, we need to identify the glands involved in hormone secretion during pregnancy.

3. **Reviewing the Options**: The options given are:
- Corpus luteum
- Pituitary gland
- Pineal gland
- Ovary

4. **Analyzing Each Option**:
- **Corpus Luteum**: This is a structure that forms in the ovary after ovulation and is responsible for producing hormones, including relaxin.
- **Pituitary Gland**: This gland secretes various hormones such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) but does not secrete relaxin.
- **Pineal Gland**: This gland primarily secretes melatonin, which regulates sleep cycles and is not involved in the secretion of relaxin.
- **Ovary**: The ovary is the primary reproductive organ in females and is responsible for the production of several hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and relaxin (via the corpus luteum).

5. **Conclusion**: Since relaxin is secreted by the corpus luteum, which is a part of the ovary, the correct answer to the question is the **ovary**.

**Final Answer**: Relaxin is secreted by the **ovary**.

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