The Secretion of Oxytocin is Controlled By

Question

The secretion of oxytocin is controlled by
A)the concentration of water in body fluids.
B)a releasing hormone and an inhibiting hormone from hypothalamus.
C)the nerve impulses resulting from stretching of uterus or stimulation of nipples.
D)a releasing hormone from hypothalamus.

Accepted Answer

The secretion of oxytocin is controlled by nerve impulses resulting from the stretching of the uterus during childbirth or stimulation of nipples during breastfeeding. This process is called the positive feedback loop, where the nerve impulses trigger the release of oxytocin from the pituitary gland, which, in turn, increases the contractions of the uterus or milk ejection from the breast. The concentration of water in body fluids or releasing hormones/inhibiting hormones from hypothalamus do not directly control the secretion of oxytocin. A releasing hormone from hypothalamus does play a role in stimulating the release of oxytocin, but it is not the only factor involved.