What is the primary physiological action of oxytocin in the female reproductive system?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option C
The primary physiological action of oxytocin in the female reproductive system is to enhance uterine muscle contractions during labor. Oxytocin is a peptide hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary gland. Its main function in childbirth is to stimulate the smooth muscle of the uterus, causing strong, rhythmic contractions that help in the progression of labor and facilitate delivery.
Let's clarify the other options:
- Promote growth of the endometrial lining: This is primarily influenced by estrogen and progesterone, not oxytocin.
- Stimulate milk synthesis in mammary glands: Milk synthesis, or milk production, is primarily regulated by prolactin, whereas oxytocin triggers milk ejection (let-down reflex), not synthesis.
- Inhibit release of prolactin from the pituitary: Oxytocin does not inhibit prolactin; rather, prolactin regulates milk production independently.
Therefore, the crucial role of oxytocin in females is associated with coordinating uterine contractions during labor and the milk ejection reflex, with its most vital role during childbirth being the former.
Reference: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th Edition, Chapter 57: Reproductive Physiology / Page 784
Let's clarify the other options:
- Promote growth of the endometrial lining: This is primarily influenced by estrogen and progesterone, not oxytocin.
- Stimulate milk synthesis in mammary glands: Milk synthesis, or milk production, is primarily regulated by prolactin, whereas oxytocin triggers milk ejection (let-down reflex), not synthesis.
- Inhibit release of prolactin from the pituitary: Oxytocin does not inhibit prolactin; rather, prolactin regulates milk production independently.
Therefore, the crucial role of oxytocin in females is associated with coordinating uterine contractions during labor and the milk ejection reflex, with its most vital role during childbirth being the former.
Reference: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th Edition, Chapter 57: Reproductive Physiology / Page 784
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