Which of the following hormones is/are not produced by the ovaries?
a. Relaxin
b. Inhibin
c. Estrogens
d. Oxytocin
e. Progesterone

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the question. The problem is asking which hormone(s) listed are NOT produced by the ovaries. To solve this, we need to identify the hormones that are produced by the ovaries and compare them to the options provided.
2. Step 2: Recall the primary hormones produced by the ovaries. The ovaries are responsible for producing hormones such as estrogens (e.g., estradiol), progesterone, inhibin, and relaxin. These hormones play key roles in the female reproductive system, including regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting pregnancy.
3. Step 3: Analyze the options provided. Compare each hormone in the list (relaxin, inhibin, estrogens, oxytocin, and progesterone) to the hormones known to be produced by the ovaries.
4. Step 4: Identify the hormone(s) that are NOT produced by the ovaries. Oxytocin, for example, is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and stored/released by the posterior pituitary gland, not the ovaries.
5. Step 5: Conclude which hormone(s) do not belong to the group of ovarian-produced hormones based on the analysis in Step 4. This will help you determine the correct answer to the question.

Key Concepts

Ovarian Hormones

The ovaries are responsible for producing several key hormones that regulate female reproductive functions. These include estrogens, progesterone, and inhibin, which play crucial roles in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and overall reproductive health.

Relaxin

Relaxin is a hormone primarily produced by the placenta during pregnancy and by the corpus luteum in the ovaries. Its main function is to relax the uterine muscles and prepare the body for childbirth, but it is not exclusively produced by the ovaries.

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland. It is involved in childbirth and lactation, but it is not produced by the ovaries, making it distinct from the hormones typically associated with ovarian function.