Why is the hormone oxytocin important?
1 Answer
Oxytocin plays a role in social bonding, reproductions and child birth.
Explanation:
Oxytocin is a peptide hormone and neuro peptide. It is normally produced by the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and released by posterior pituitary.
In women oxytocin is responsible for contractions of the womb during labour. It stimulates the uterine muscles to contract and increases the production of the prostaglandins. These prostaglandins move labour along and increase the contractions even more. Once baby is born, oxytocin promotes lactation by moving the milk into the breasts.
For men oxytocin function is less important but it does play a role in moving the sperm.
Oxytocin is also an important chemical messenger that controls some human behaviour and social interactions. It triggers the bond between a mother and infant. It plays a role in recognition, trust and anxiety. Research also shows that the hormone may affect addiction and stress as well.
