Oxytocin is one of the main hormones responsible for determining the degree of sexual instincts in men and women. Synthesized in the magnocellular neurosecretory cells inside the supraoptic nucleus and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and thrown into the blood from the rear lobe of the pituitary gland, Oxytocin plays a major role during human pregnancy. The role of Oxytocin is best manifested through the acts of breastfeeding and childbirth. Read up this informative article to bone up exhaustive information on the role of Oxytocin.
Human sexual behavior is directly controlled by Oxytocin. As far as the role of Oxytocin is concerned, this point comes to the forefront of discussion. The function of Oxytocin in relation to human sexual stimulation has been subject to extensive research and studies. Surveys have revealed that Oxytocin serum levels fluctuate significantly before and after orgasm. Amounts of Oxytocin in the blood tend to rise shortly after orgasm. It clearly suggests that this hormone plays an instrumental role with regards to human sexual stimulation both in postcoital behavior as well as neuroendrocrine operations.
The role of Oxytocin with regards to anxiety and stress response is a matter of extensive research. The University of Pittsburgh has been carrying out fundamental research works to establish the connection between Oxytocin secretion and stress-related stress. So far it's been proved that Oxytocin released from the posterior lobe of the pituitary glands does have the ability to relieve stress-induced stimulation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA).
Peripheral role of Oxytocin is directly linked up with functions of Oxytocin receptor. The chief functions include the following:
Uterine contraction - Oxytocin secretion plays a major role during the second and third phases of human labor. Uterine contraction is crucial for the expansion of the cervix prior to childbirth. Many women face problems during the first couple of weeks of lactation, as breastfeeding results in painstaking uterine contractions due to Oxytocin secretion.
Letdown reflex - Letdown reflex is marked by periodic releases of Oxytocin from the neurosecretory nerve pockets of the pituitary glands.
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| This procedure normally occurs in lactating mothers. Milk is let down when the nipple is sucked by the baby. The process is passed along to the hypothalamus by the spinal nerves.
Excretion of urine - Oxytocin often brings down the rate of urine excretion. An increased amount of Oxytocin may lead to the development of hyponatremia in humans.
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