Stretching of the Cervix Causes an Increase in the Blood

Question

Stretching of the cervix causes an increase in the blood levels of
A) estrogen.
B) progesterone.
C) oxytocin.
D) relaxin.
E) chorionic gonadotropin.

Accepted Answer

Stretching of the cervix triggers the release of oxytocin from the posterior pituitary gland, which stimulates contractions of the uterus during childbirth. This can lead to a positive feedback loop of increasing contractions and stretching of the cervix, ultimately resulting in delivery of the baby.