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Question #46323
The Question
During parturition, the fetal ejection reflex triggers a complex neuroendocrine mechanism. In a clinical case of uterine inertia, a full-term pregnant female exhibits normal fetal-placental signaling and normal maternal pituitary function, yet the mild uterine contractions fail to amplify into expulsive labor. Which of the following best explains this specific physiological failure?
Options
- A.
Inability of the maternal anterior pituitary to release adequate amounts of oxytocin due to a disrupted neural reflex.
- B.
A structural mutation in the myometrial oxytocin receptors preventing the establishment of a positive feedback loop.
- C.
Premature release of relaxin from the ovary, which competitively binds to oxytocin receptors on the endometrium.
- D.
Enhanced sensitivity of the maternal hypothalamus to the negative feedback exerted by rising estrogen levels.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Hypothalamic-Pituitary_Axis_Integration|Ferguson_Reflex|Parturition_Neuroendocrine_Reflex
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: This question tests the student's ability to integrate the mechanism of positive feedback with precise anatomical and histological locations.
The primary traps rely on functional and location-based misconceptions: confusing the anterior vs. posterior pituitary as the source of oxytocin release, and confusing the endometrium vs. myometrium as the target tissue for parturition contractions.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Breathing and Exchange of Gases - Class 11 |
| Concept | Neural Regulation Feedback |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |