Question

The function of oxytocin is to help in
A. childbirth
B. growth
C. lactation
D. gametogenesis

Answer 1

Hint: Several types of chemical are produced by the body which are needed for proper growth, development and reproduction. These chemicals are known as hormones and are produced by the glands and are released into the blood. There are different types of hormones that act on different biological processes.

Complete answer: The different biological processes such as growth, development as well as reproduction are affected by the hormones. Hormones are biomolecules and are very specific in function. The female reproductive system also is dependent on several types of hormones for maturity, pregnancy and childbirth.
Oxytocin is an important hormone that functions during childbirth. It also plays an important role in sexual reproduction and is also useful after childbirth. It is a neuropeptide hormone and is produced by the hypothalamus. It is released by the posterior pituitary. Oxytocin is released into the bloodstream and plays an important role in the parturition and causes dilations of the cervix and uterus. This results in stretching of the uterus and helps in childbirth during labor.
Along with another important hormone prolactin, oxytocin also helps in the stimulation of the flow of milk during lactation and breastfeeding. Prolactin or lactotropin is the main hormone in females to produce milk during lactation.
Gametogenesis is the process of formation and maturation of gametes in male and females. FSH (Follicle Stimulated Hormone) and LH (Luteinizing hormone) are two important hormones that help in gametogenesis. FSH acts on the germ cells to regularize the process of gametogenesis and LH stimulates the release of the steroid sex hormones such as androgen and estrogen.
The Growth hormone (GH) or human growth hormone stimulates growth, cell reproduction and regeneration of the cells in human and other animals.
Therefore, the correct option is option A.

Additional Information: Oxytocin is produced through the enzymatic cleavage from the peptide precursor that is encoded by a gene. This gene is known as the human OXT gene. Oxytocin was discovered by Henry Dales and the molecular structure was determined later on.

Note: The production of oxytocin is produced by the hypothalamus and released in the blood by the pituitary gland. It is released during parturition and facilitates in child birth by causing stimulation of the cervix and the uterus. The oxytocin causes the cervix and uterus to dilate during childbirth.