Oxytocin

Oxytocin

Hormone released during childbirth and lactation.

Fundus

Upper part of the uterus.

Perimetrium

Outer layer of the uterus.

Myometrium

Muscle layer responsible for uterine contractions.

Decidual Cells

Cells forming the membrane during childbirth.

Chorion

Outer fetal membrane involved in nutrient exchange.

Amnion

Inner fetal membrane surrounding the amniotic fluid.

Progesterone

Hormone that inhibits uterine contractions during pregnancy.

Estrogen

Hormone that increases uterine contractions and cervix dilation.

Cervix

Lower part of the uterus, dilates during childbirth.

Prostaglandins

Hormones released to enhance uterine contractions.

Labor

Process of childbirth involving uterine contractions.

Lactation

Production of milk after childbirth.

Sensitivity to Hormones

Cells' response changes to progesterone and estrogen.

PGE

Type of prostaglandin involved in labor.

PGF2α

Prostaglandin that aids in uterine contractions.

Uterine Contractions

Muscle contractions that help push the baby out.

Pregnancy Progression

Changes in hormone levels throughout pregnancy.

Hormonal Regulation

Balance of hormones controlling pregnancy and labor.

Insensitivity to Progesterone

Cells become responsive to estrogen near labor.

Childbirth Process

Sequence of events leading to delivery.

Vagina

Birth canal through which the baby exits.

Cervical Dilation

Widening of the cervix during labor.

Hormonal Interaction

Effects of progesterone and estrogen on labor.

Fetal Membranes

Chorion and amnion that protect the fetus.

Uterine Layers

Includes perimetrium, myometrium, and endometrium.

Endometrium

Inner lining of the uterus, involved in implantation.

Contraction Regulation

Hormonal control of uterine muscle activity.

Oxytocin

Hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during labor.

Myometrium Cells

Muscle cells in the uterus responsible for contractions.

Estrogen

Hormone that increases receptor sensitivity in myometrium.

Receptors

Proteins that bind hormones to trigger cellular responses.

Gap Junctions

Connections allowing synchronized contraction of muscle cells.

Mechanoreceptors

Sensors that detect mechanical changes, like stretching.

Paraventricular Nucleus

Hypothalamic region that secretes oxytocin.

Infundibulum

Structure connecting hypothalamus to the pituitary gland.

Anterior Pituitary

Gland that releases various hormones, not oxytocin.

Posterior Pituitary

Gland that releases oxytocin into the bloodstream.

Calcium Ions

Essential for muscle contraction; enters cells during stimulation.

Sarcoplasmic Reticulum

Organelle that stores calcium in muscle cells.

Hormonal Signaling

Process where hormones communicate between organs.

Uterine Contractions

Muscle contractions that help in childbirth.

Bloodstream

Circulatory system that transports hormones throughout the body.

Signal Transduction

Process of converting a signal into a cellular response.

Ion Channels

Proteins that allow ions to enter or exit cells.

Calcium Release

Process triggered by oxytocin, essential for contraction.

Receptor Sensitivity

Increased ability of cells to respond to hormones.

Contraction Synchronization

Coordinated muscle contractions for effective childbirth.

Stretch Reflex

Response triggered by the baby's head in the cervix.

Synaptic Terminal

End of an axon where neurotransmitters are released.

Hormonal Cascade

Sequential release of hormones in response to stimuli.

Labor Induction

Process of initiating contractions for childbirth.

Neurotransmitter Release

Process by which signaling molecules are released at synapses.

Muscle Cell Activation

Initiation of contraction in muscle fibers.

Contraction Mechanism

Process involving calcium influx and receptor binding.

Calcium

Mineral causing muscle contraction during labor.

Muscle Contraction

Process pushing baby down during childbirth.

Oxytocin

Hormone that stimulates uterine contractions.

Positive Feedback Mechanism

Increases response as contractions intensify.

Paraventricular Nucleus

Brain region releasing oxytocin during labor.

Hypothalamus

Brain region coordinating hormone release.

Lactiferous Ducts

Ducts transporting milk from lobules.

Lobules

Glandular structures producing milk.

Alveolar Cells

Cells containing and producing milk.

Mechanoreceptors

Sensory receptors stimulated by suckling.

Myoepithelial Cells

Smooth muscle cells aiding milk ejection.

Milk Ejection Reflex

Milk released into baby's mouth after suckling.

Prolactin

Hormone responsible for milk production.

Oxytocin Release

Triggered by suckling and mechanoreceptor stimulation.

Breast Anatomy

Includes nipple, ducts, lobules, and alveolar cells.

Love Hormone

Oxytocin's association with bonding and affection.

Suckling Process

Baby initiates milk release, not sucking.

Milk Flow Delay

Takes 30 seconds to 1 minute after suckling.

Breastfeeding Mechanism

Involves stimulation of receptors and hormone release.

Labor Process

Involves contractions and hormonal feedback.

Hormonal Regulation

Oxytocin and prolactin regulate lactation.

Oxytocin Functions

Involved in love, bonding, and childbirth.

Contraction Signals

Sent to brain as labor progresses.

Smooth Muscle Function

Contracts to eject milk during breastfeeding.

Breast Structure

Composed of lobules and lactiferous ducts.

Hormonal Feedback Loop

Oxytocin enhances contractions through positive feedback.

Breast Milk Production

Initiated by prolactin and stimulated by suckling.