Oxytocin
Peptide hormone and neuropeptide normally produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary.
- Oxytocin337 related topics
Lactation
Lactation describes the secretion of milk from the mammary glands and the period of time that a mother lactates to feed her young.
Oxytocin is critical for the milk let-down reflex in response to suckling.
Posterior pituitary
Posterior lobe of the pituitary gland which is part of the endocrine system.
Instead, it is largely a collection of axonal projections from the hypothalamus that terminate behind the anterior pituitary, and serve as a site for the secretion of neurohypophysial hormones (oxytocin and vasopressin) directly into the blood.
Hypothalamus
Portion of the brain that contains a number of small nuclei with a variety of functions.
In mammals, magnocellular neurosecretory cells in the paraventricular nucleus and the supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus produce neurohypophysial hormones, oxytocin and vasopressin.
Neuropeptide
Neuropeptides are chemical messengers made up of small chains of amino acids that are synthesized and released by neurons.
Oxytocin in the supraoptic nucleus co-exists with enkephalin, dynorphin, cocaine-and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART) and cholecystokinin.
Childbirth
Ending of pregnancy where one or more babies leaves the uterus by passing through the vagina or by Caesarean section.
During the later stages of gestation there is an increase in abundance of oxytocin, a hormone that is known to evoke feelings of contentment, reductions in anxiety, and feelings of calmness and security around the mate.
Human sexual activity
Manner in which humans experience and express their sexuality.
From a biochemical perspective, sex causes the release of oxytocin and endorphins and boosts the immune system.
Oxytocin (medication)
Synthetic oxytocin, sold under the brand name Pitocin among others, is a medication made from the peptide oxytocin.
Maternal bond
Relationship between a mother and her child.
Production of oxytocin during childbirth and lactation increases parasympathetic activity.
Orgasm
Sudden discharge of accumulated sexual excitement during the sexual response cycle, resulting in rhythmic muscular contractions in the pelvic region characterized by sexual pleasure.
The period after orgasm (known as the refractory period) is typically a relaxing experience, attributed to the release of the neurohormones oxytocin and prolactin as well as endorphins (or "endogenous morphine").
Human bonding
Process of development of a close, interpersonal relationship between two or more people.
The maternal bond begins to develop during pregnancy; following pregnancy, the production of oxytocin during lactation increases parasympathetic activity, thus reducing anxiety and theoretically fostering bonding.