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Oxytocin

Definition

Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland that plays a significant role in social bonding, sexual reproduction, childbirth, and the period after childbirth.

Analogy

Think of oxytocin as the "warm fuzzy blanket" of hormones. Just like how a warm blanket can make you feel safe, secure, and connected to those around you during a movie night, oxytocin helps foster feelings of trust, empathy, and bonding in social relationships.

Related terms

Hormone: A chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs.

Hypothalamus: A region of the brain responsible for producing hormones that control bodily functions such as temperature regulation, thirst, hunger, sleep, mood, sex drive, and release of other hormones within the body.

Pituitary Gland: A small endocrine system organ that produces hormones influencing various parts of the body - growth & development; functioning of other endocrine glands; regulation processes like metabolism & reproduction.