how oxytocin causes contraction muscles around aleoli of the breast

Answer 1

Oxytocin is a hormone that is primarily responsible for stimulating contractions in the muscles surrounding the alveoli of the breast during breastfeeding. When a baby suckles on the nipple, it triggers the release of oxytocin from the hypothalamus, a region of the brain.

Once released, oxytocin travels through the bloodstream and reaches the breast, where it binds to specific receptors on the surface of the muscle cells surrounding the alveoli. This binding activates a signaling pathway within the cells, leading to an increase in intracellular calcium levels.

The increase in calcium triggers a series of events, including the contraction of the muscle cells. These contractions are necessary for the ejection or let-down of milk from the alveoli into the milk ducts, allowing the baby to access and consume the milk.

It is important to note that oxytocin also has other functions beyond breastfeeding, such as promoting social bonding, reducing anxiety, and facilitating childbirth.