"Cuddle" or "Love" hormone that also acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. It's molecular formula is C43H66N12O12S2. Also known as Pitocin; Syntocinon; Ocytocin; Endopituitrina; Oxitocina. It is secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, a pea-sized structure at the base of the brain. Oxytocin acts on smooth muscle cells, e.g. causing uterine contractions and milk ejection.
Oxytocin is released when people snuggle up, experience orgasm, bond socially or play with their pets. In the brain, oxytocin is involved in social recognition and bonding, during orgasm in both sexes, during labor, and after stimulation of the nipples in females, and might be involved in the formation of trust between people.
As a medication, it is used to cause contraction of the uterus, which is used to start labor, increase the speed of labor, and to stop bleeding following delivery.
Oxytocin is released when people snuggle up, experience orgasm, bond socially or play with their pets. In the brain, oxytocin is involved in social recognition and bonding, during orgasm in both sexes, during labor, and after stimulation of the nipples in females, and might be involved in the formation of trust between people.
As a medication, it is used to cause contraction of the uterus, which is used to start labor, increase the speed of labor, and to stop bleeding following delivery.
