Definition

1. Noun:
   • A hormone: Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and secreted by the posterior pituitary gland.
   • Physiological functions: It stimulates smooth muscle contractions, primarily in the uterus during childbirth and in the mammary glands to facilitate milk ejection (let-down reflex) during breastfeeding.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor administered oxytocin to induce labor.
  • Oxytocin release is crucial for the mother-infant bond during breastfeeding.
  • Research is exploring oxytocin's role in social bonding and trust.

Advanced Usage

• "Oxytocin receptor": A protein on cell surfaces that oxytocin binds to in order to exert its effects.
  • Genetic variations in the oxytocin receptor may influence social behavior.
• "Oxytocinergic" (adj): Relating to or involving neurons that use oxytocin as a neurotransmitter.
  • The study focused on oxytocinergic pathways in the brain.

Variants and Related Words

• Pitocin (n): A common trade name for synthetic oxytocin used in medicine.
• Oxytocic (adj): Describing a substance that stimulates uterine contractions, like oxytocin.

Synonyms

• Hormone: A regulatory substance (oxytocin is a specific type of hormone).
• Pitocin: The trade name, used specifically in medical contexts.

Related Phrases

• "The love hormone": An informal nickname for oxytocin due to its association with bonding, trust, and affection.
  • Oxytocin, often called "the love hormone," is released during hugs.
• "Milk let-down reflex": The process oxytocin triggers to release milk from the mammary glands.
  • The baby's cry can trigger the milk let-down reflex via oxytocin release.

Noun

1. hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland (trade name Pitocin); stimulates contractions of the uterus and ejection of milk