Endocrinology Exam Questions Related

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Oxytocin:

  • A. is bound to neurophysin in plasma.
  • B. inhibits production of milk.
  • C. inhibits myometrial contraction.
  • D. inhibits sperm swimming on the gonad.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. In the bloodstream, oxytocin is mostly bound to a carrier protein called neurophysin. This binding helps to protect oxytocin from being degraded too quickly in the bloodstream, thus allowing it to exert its effects on target tissues such as the uterus and mammary glands. Oxytocin plays important roles in stimulating uterine contractions during labor, facilitating milk letdown during breastfeeding, and promoting social bonding and emotional connections.