Contractions in uterine smooth muscle during labor are initiated by
A)epinephrine.
B)estrogen.
C)oxytocin.
D)prolactin.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Contraction of the uterine smooth muscle during labor is initiated by the release of the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin is produced by the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland in response to stretching of the cervix and uterus. Oxytocin stimulates the contraction of the smooth muscle in the uterus, leading to labor and delivery. Epinephrine and estrogen do not play a direct role in initiating contractions, and prolactin is primarily involved in milk production after delivery.

Contractions in Uterine Smooth Muscle During Labor Are Initiated by