Which statement is true about oxytocin's role in childbirth?
A) Oxytocin stimulates uterine contracts.
B) Oxytocin suppresses uterine contractions.
C) Oxytocin targets the fetus to push on the cervix.
D) Oxytocin is released by the uterus as it contracts, causing more contractions until the baby is born.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fetal head pushes on the cervix, which causes the cervix to send nerve impulses to the brain. The hypothalamus in the brain responds by stimulating the posterior pituitary to release oxytocin. Oxytocin goes to its target tissue, the uterus, and causes it to contract. The uterine contractions push on the fetus causing more pressure on the cervix. The whole cycle keeps repeating itself until the baby is born.

Which Statement Is True About Oxytocin's Role in Childbirth