Abstrakt

Functioning of oxytocin during crucial period of women

Daniel Martins

Oxytocin is a hormone produced in the hypothalamus and is secreted into the bloodstream by the posterior pituitary gland. Secretion depends on electrical activity of neurons within the hypothalamus - it's released into the blood when these cells are excited. It is documented for its role in parturition and lactation. The principal functions of which are to stimulate contractions of the uterus during labor, to stimulate the ejection of milk (letdown) during lactation, and to promote maternal nurturing behavior.