relaxin

American  

[ri-lak-sin] / rɪˈlæk sɪn /

noun

Biochemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a polypeptide hormone produced by the corpus luteum during pregnancy that causes the pelvic ligaments and cervix to relax during pregnancy and delivery.

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relaxin British  

/ rɪˈlæksɪn /

noun

1. a mammalian polypeptide hormone secreted by the corpus luteum during pregnancy, which relaxes the pelvic ligaments

2. a preparation of this hormone, used to facilitate childbirth

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Etymology

Origin of relaxin

First recorded in 1925–30; relax + -in ²

Example Sentences

Research from the Guardian external-link in 2023 found that pregnancy also "elevates levels of hormones such as relaxin, which loosens ligaments and joints, potentially increasing the risk of injury".

From BBC

When relaxin-3 is released in the brain, it binds to a target receptor RXFP3 -- to trigger a variety of signalling responses among the cells, which affect the body's physiological processes.

From Science Daily

One theory is that relaxin, a hormone released during pregnancy to relax the ligaments in the pelvis and to soften and widen the cervix, may cause your teeth to shift.

From The Guardian

Grant enthuses about the benefits of strong glutes in preventing knee injuries and back problems, and also for postnatal women whose gluteal muscles have lengthened during pregnancy as a result of the relaxin hormone.

From The Guardian

During pregnancy, women's bodies produce the hormone relaxin, which helps childbirth by relaxing ligaments in the pelvis and softening and widening the cervix.

From US News