Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland (an endocrine gland in the human body).
It is one of a group of hormones that control sexual development and processes.
The roles of oxytocin are slightly different in men and women.
The actions of oxytocin hormone in men include:
- Thought to induce pair bonding in people - in both males and females
- Playing some role in orgasms - in both males and females
- Facilitating sperm transport in ejaculation
The actions of oxytocin hormone in women include:
- Thought to induce pair bonding in people - in both males and females
- Playing some role in orgasms - in both males and females
- Causing contraction of the uterus during labour
- Stimulating milk flow from the breasts by causing the contraction of muscle fibres in the milk ducts
- Inducing maternal behaviour
See also: What is a Hormone ?
For further general information including the locations of the endocrine glands, see the Endocrine Glands of the Human Body.
More about the Endocrine System
- Introduction to the Endocrine System
- What is a hormone ?
- Water Soluble Hormones vs Fat Soluble Hormones
- Triggers for Hormone Release
- Hormone Regulation Feedback Mechanism
- Major Glands of the Endocrine System
- The Pituitary Gland
- The Adrenal Glands
- Non-endocrine tissues that release hormones
- Conditions of the Endocrine System
- Diabetes
