Question

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Infants have many ways to make their mother generate more love hormone, oxytocin. Describe at least 5 ways to achieve it

Answer 1

The human body uses two major arms to ensure efficient control and coordination. These two arms are the nervous control and the hormonal control.

The hormonal control uses chemicals called hormones which are produced at a site in the body and released to act at places located distantly from the site. These act on several receptors thereby leading to widespread and long-term effects.

Oxytocin is a hormone released by the hypothalamus in the brain. It is synthesized in a specific group of cells called magnocellular neurosecretory cells. Upon secretion, the hormone is transported to the Herring bodies which are located in the pituitary gland before release.

It has many physiological roles. Since it is associated with nourishment and social bonding, it is often referred to as "love hormone".

Infants can provide several signals that can lead to the release of oxytocin in their mother which in turn would help them in receiving nourishment and appropriate care.

1. When the babies suckle on the nipples of their mothers, the lactating mothers experience a reflex called the letdown reflex. This triggers the hypothalamus and pituitary to release oxytocin. The oxytocin, in turn, acts on the mammary glands, which leads to the release of milk through the lactiferous ducts for the consumption of the babies.

2. The babies cry during the infancy. The oxytocin released in the mother triggers her to respond calmly and ensure taking appropriate measures for the safety of the baby.

3. The oxytocin is also released during the first two trimesters of the pregnancy. This ensures the proper development of the developing embryo.

4. During parturition, the oxytocin promotes brain development of the child. Lack of oxytocin in the pregnant mothers leads to improper development of the fetal brain and disorders like autism.

5. The skin-to-skin contact with the babies can also trigger oxytocin release in the mother and the infant. This ensures bonding between the pair.