Labour: Ferguson reflex: practice question

A OBG question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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OBG · Labour: Ferguson reflex

Sample item

Stretching of the cervix and upper vagina leads to increased release of which hormone?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Oxytocin

The Ferguson reflex is a positive feedback mechanism: stretch of the cervix transmits afferent impulses to the hypothalamus, causing posterior pituitary release of oxytocin. This explains why membrane sweeping and fetal head descent promote contractions.

Option by option

  • A. Progesterone

    Progesterone is not released by this reflex.

  • B. Prolactin

    Prolactin is released with suckling.

  • C. Relaxin

    Relaxin does not mediate this reflex.

  • D. Oxytocin (correct)

    Correct. This neuroendocrine reflex releases oxytocin.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More OBG questions

Questions about this OBG question

What is the answer to this OBG question?

The best answer is D, Oxytocin. The Ferguson reflex is a positive feedback mechanism: stretch of the cervix transmits afferent impulses to the hypothalamus, causing posterior pituitary release of oxytocin.

Why is "Progesterone" not the answer?

Progesterone is not released by this reflex.

Why is "Prolactin" not the answer?

Prolactin is released with suckling.

Why is "Relaxin" not the answer?

Relaxin does not mediate this reflex.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Labour: Ferguson reflex in OBG. This explains why membrane sweeping and fetal head descent promote contractions.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Labour: Ferguson reflex?

Learn management algorithms as steps: PPH, eclampsia, ectopic pregnancy. Then use the flashcards and the other OBG questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.