Oxytocin is mainly involved in which of the following functions?

Appeared in: AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Explanation

Oxytocin's primary function is to stimulate uterine smooth muscle contractions, which is essential for labor and childbirth.
It facilitates lactation by causing the contraction of myoepithelial cells in the breast, leading to the milk ejection reflex (let-down).
During labor, a positive feedback mechanism involving cervical stretch leads to increased oxytocin release, which strengthens contractions until the baby is born.
The increase in oxytocin receptors in the uterus towards the end of pregnancy makes the uterine muscle highly sensitive to its effects.

Option A: Motor skills are complex functions governed by the central nervous system, specifically the cerebellum and motor cortex, not by oxytocin.
Option C: Growth and mental development are primarily regulated by other hormones, such as Growth Hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary and thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).
Option D: Blood pressure is mainly regulated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), antidiuretic hormone (ADH), and the autonomic nervous system. Oxytocin does not play a primary role in this process.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Primary physiological functions of Oxytocin as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses frequently administer a synthetic form of oxytocin (Pitocin) to induce or augment labor in pregnant women when medically indicated.
Oxytocin is also a first-line medication used to control postpartum hemorrhage caused by uterine atony (failure of the uterus to contract after delivery).
What if? If a patient's labor is not progressing (protracted labor), a carefully titrated intravenous infusion of oxytocin may be started to increase the frequency and strength of uterine contractions, under continuous fetal and maternal monitoring.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is the hormone 'Oxytocin'.
Recall the primary physiological roles of oxytocin from your knowledge of the endocrine system.
Associate oxytocin with its two main functions related to female reproduction: uterine contractions and milk release.
Evaluate the given options. 'Childbirth and lactation' directly matches these primary functions.
Eliminate the other options by recalling which systems or hormones are responsible for them (e.g., motor skills - nervous system; growth - growth hormone; blood pressure - RAAS/ADH).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Gynecology Williams p. 365-430

E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 3 p. 65-67

E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e p. 1059-1061

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