11 Questions
What is the main function of oxytocin in the mammary gland?
Induce contraction of myoepithelial cells to force milk into ducts
Which reflex is associated with suckling by the newborn at the teats or nipple?
Unconditioned reflex or Ferguson reflex
What is oxytocin's role in luteolysis?
Essential for regression of corpus luteum in case of failure of pregnancy
Which process involves oxytocin being released during ejaculation?
Mating spermiation
What additional function is oxytocin known for, beyond its role in milk let down?
Recognizing familiar human faces
Which receptor is activated by oxytocin leading to calcium influx into the cell?
G-protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR)
What is the primary stimulus for the release of oxytocin during labor?
Stretching of the cervix
What physiological function does oxytocin serve in birds?
Inducing labor contractions
Which gland stores oxytocin after its synthesis by hypothalamic neurons?
Posterior pituitary gland
What is the key target of calcium ions that influx into the cell upon oxytocin activation?
Myosin light-chain kinase
During the second and third stages of labor, what forms a positive feedback loop enhancing uterine contractions?
Increase in oxytocin receptors in myometrium
Learn about the synthesis of oxytocin by hypothalamic neurons, its storage in the posterior pituitary gland, and the activation of G-protein coupled receptors. Understand how the activation of these receptors leads to smooth muscle contraction.
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