Relating to biology..what does oxytocin do??

Question

In laymen's terms describe was oxytocin does?

Answer 1

In addition to the answers given above, it has another very important function.  It is involved with human bonding.  It is particularly important in the bonding between a mother and her newborn.  However, it is also involved in falling in love with another human, loving animals and developing trust.  Looking at the picture of a cat can measurably increase the oxytocin level in the blood.

Answer 2

Oxytocin causes muscle contractions. It is released during intercourse and childbirth to contract the muscles, and to promote lactation in females.

Answer 3

Oxytocin is used by doctors/hospitals to help start or strengthen labor and to reduce bleeding after delivery.

Answer 4

Oxytocin is a hormone released by the pituitary gland that causes smooth muscle contraction in the uterus and mammary ducts. The primary causes for release of the hormone are pressure stimulation by the baby against the cervix in birth and stimulation of the nipple during breast feeding. It has some secondary functions, but these are the best studied.