Question

Which of the following hormones maintains the integrity of the uterine wall during pregnancy?
A. Estrogen
B. Progesterone
C. Oxytocin
D. Intermedin

Answer 1

Hint: Uterine wall is called endometrium and it gets maintained by the release of a hormone and that hormone is released by the corpus luteum which is involved in menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Complete answer:
There is secretion of large amounts of progesterone from the corpus luteum and this hormone is important for the maintenance of the endometrium and this endometrium is important for the implantation of the fertilized ovum.
When there is no fertilization then the corpus luteum degenerates due to which there is disintegration of the endometrium which then leads to menstruation, making a new cycle.
If we look at options now, Option A is Estrogen. Estrogen is that female sex hormone which is responsible for the sexual and reproductive development i.e., the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characters. But in the question that hormone is asked which maintains the integrity of the uterine wall i.e., endometrium during pregnancy and that hormone is progesterone not estrogen. Hence, this option is incorrect and gets eliminated.
Moving to option B i.e., Progesterone. It is also a sex hormone which is involved in menstrual cycle, pregnancy and embryogenesis of humans and other species. This hormone is secreted by corpus luteum and it maintains the integrity of the uterine wall during pregnancy. This is what has been asked in the question due to which this option is the correct one.
Moving to option C i.e., Oxytocin. It is a hormone which plays an important role in social bonding, sexual reproduction, childbirth and also after the period of childbirth. But in the question that hormone is asked which maintains the integrity of the uterine wall i.e., endometrium during pregnancy and that hormone is progesterone not oxytocin. Hence, this option is incorrect and gets eliminated.
Moving to option D i.e., Intermedin. This option is also incorrect as this hormone does not play a role in maintaining the integrity of endometrium but in the question that hormone is asked which maintains the integrity of the uterine wall i.e., endometrium during pregnancy and that hormone is progesterone not intermedin. Hence, this option is incorrect and gets eliminated.

Thus, the correct answer is option B i.e., Progesterone.

Note: The hormone which is responsible for maintaining the integrity of endometrium is progesterone as it is involved in menstrual cycle, pregnancy and embryogenesis.