Question 1: Oxytocin is not responsible for:
- A. Uterine involution
- B. After pains
- C. Milk ejection
- D. Milk production (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Milk production***
- **Oxytocin** is primarily responsible for the **ejection of milk** from the mammary glands, not its production.
- **Prolactin** is the hormone chiefly responsible for **milk synthesis** or production.
*Uterine involution*
- **Oxytocin** plays a crucial role in **uterine contractions** postpartum, which helps the uterus return to its normal size (involution).
- These contractions compress blood vessels, reducing **postpartum hemorrhage**.
*After pains*
- The contractions stimulated by **oxytocin** after childbirth, essential for uterine involution, are often perceived as **'after pains'**.
- These pains are more pronounced in **multiparas** and breastfeeding women due to vigorous oxytocin release.
*Milk ejection*
- **Oxytocin** causes the contraction of **myoepithelial cells** surrounding the alveoli in the mammary glands.
- This contraction leads to the **'let-down reflex,'** forcing milk into the ducts and outward through the nipple.