HN210 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Postpartum Bleeding, Orgasm, Pharmacology
Document Summary
Oxytocin is a hormone and neurotransmitter that is produced in the hypothalamus, a region of the brain, and released by the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain. It is sometimes referred to as the "love hormone" because it is involved in social bonding and attachment, particularly between romantic partners, as well as maternal bonding with newborns. Oxytocin is also involved in sexual arousal and orgasm in both men and women. The primary function of oxytocin is to stimulate the uterus to contract during childbirth, and to stimulate the release of milk from the breast during lactation. It is often used to induce labor and to strengthen uterine contractions during childbirth, especially in cases where labor is not progressing as expected. Oxytocin is also used to help with breastfeeding and to prevent postpartum bleeding. In addition to its role in reproduction, oxytocin is also involved in social bonding and attachment.
