relaxin
Ligament-loosening hormone
Relaxin is a hormone produced during pregnancy that loosens ligaments and softens the cervix in preparation for childbirth.
It's secreted primarily by the ovaries and placenta.
The hormone's effects extend beyond the pelvis—pregnant women may notice increased joint flexibility throughout the body, which can persist for months after delivery.
Structural body protein
- ligamentsTough tissue joining bones
- tendonsFibrous connective cords
- jointsSkeletal connection points
- pelvic girdleHip bone complex
cartilage · remodeling · loosening · elasticity · suppleness · flexibility · softening · extensibility
Strenuous effort; also childbirth
- deliveryConveyance of goods
- contractionsShortened word forms
- cervical dilationWidening of womb's exit
- birth canalNewborn's emergence pathway
pelvic · ligaments · softening · parturition · obstetrics · midwife · doula · maternity
Carrying offspring in womb
- placentaFetal nourishment organ
- ovariesEgg-producing organs
- trimesterThirteen-week span
- implantationEmbedding into tissue
uterine · fetal · prenatal · maternal · progesterone · estrogen · embryo · conception
Short amino acid chain
- endocrineInternally secreting gland system
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
- secretionSubstance released by glands
- synthesisCombining parts into whole
ligand · signaling · glandular · biochemistry · molecular · proteins · homeostasis · regulation
collagen
Structural body protein
pelvic girdle · cartilage · remodeling · loosening · elasticity · suppleness · flexibility · softening · extensibility · laxity
labor
Strenuous effort; also childbirth
- deliveryConveyance of goods
- contractionsShortened word forms
- cervical dilationWidening of womb's exit
birth canal · pelvic · ligaments · softening · parturition · obstetrics · midwife · doula · maternity · postpartum
gestation
Carrying offspring in womb
implantation · uterine · fetal · prenatal · maternal · progesterone · estrogen · embryo · conception · endometrium
peptide
Short amino acid chain
- endocrineInternally secreting gland system
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
- secretionSubstance released by glands
synthesis · ligand · signaling · glandular · biochemistry · molecular · proteins · homeostasis · regulation · feedback
relaxinoxytocin
Bonding neurotransmitter from hypothalamus
progesterone · inhibin · prostaglandins · vasopressin · testosterone
- relaxed fitRoomy garment style
- relaxation techniquesMethods for reducing stress
- relaxed fit jeansRoomy casual denim pants
- relaxed moodUnhurried emotional state
- muscle relaxationSoftening of contracted fibers
- muscle relaxantAgent reducing tissue tension
relax, relaxed, relaxing, relaxation, relaxes, relaxant, unrelaxed, overrelaxed