Question

Why is oxytocin necessary for parturition?

Answer 1

Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus. During the later stages of gestation, the number of oxytocin receptors on uterine smooth muscle cells increases. The release and the binding of the hormone to the muscle receptors leads to contraction of uterine smooth muscle which enables parturition or childbirth. Hence, oxytocin is necessary for parturition.