What effect does oxytocin have?

What effect does oxytocin have?

• A. Stimulates contraction of the uterus and milk ducts in the breast
• B. Inhibits milk production
• C. Reduces uterine contractions
• D. Decreases breast milk ejection

Answer: (C)

Oxytocin primarily promotes contraction of smooth muscle in two key tissues: the uterus and the mammary glands. In the uterus, oxytocin binds its receptors on the myometrium and increases intracellular calcium, producing rhythmic contractions that help with labor and postpartum processes. In the breast, oxytocin acts on the myoepithelial cells surrounding the milk-producing alveoli, causing them to contract and eject milk into the ducts for let-down during breastfeeding. It does not inhibit milk production; prolactin drives milk synthesis, while oxytocin facilitates its release. It also does not reduce uterine contractions; it enhances them during labor.

Oxytocin primarily promotes contraction of smooth muscle in two key tissues: the uterus and the mammary glands. In the uterus, oxytocin binds its receptors on the myometrium and increases intracellular calcium, producing rhythmic contractions that help with labor and postpartum processes. In the breast, oxytocin acts on the myoepithelial cells surrounding the milk-producing alveoli, causing them to contract and eject milk into the ducts for let-down during breastfeeding. It does not inhibit milk production; prolactin drives milk synthesis, while oxytocin facilitates its release. It also does not reduce uterine contractions; it enhances them during labor.