Question

When the critical hormone __________ is released in high enough concentration by the mother's pituitary gland, the uterus begins periodic contractions.

Answer 1

Answer:

When the critical hormone oxytocin is released in high enough concentration by the mother's pituitary gland, the uterus begins periodic contractions

Explanation:

The oxytocin is a polypeptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus and corpus luteum, so the nervous system controls its secretion. It is known to participate in feminine reproduction stimulating uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection. It acts contracting the myometrium and myoepithelial cells.

The oxytocin also takes place in kidneys and cardiovascular systems.

Its receptors are located in the uterus, mammal gland, brain, kidney, heart, bones, endothelial cells, and ovary tissue.

Synthetic oxytocin is administrated to pregnant women to induce or accelerate labor when they can not secrete it by themselves.    

Answer 2

Answer:

oxytocin

Explanation:

Oxytocin is a hormone naturally produced by our body to generate contractions of the uterus during labor and the release of milk during breastfeeding. It was synthesized in the laboratory and thus became a very useful medication that can help save lives if correctly indicated.

This hormone can also be used to initiate labor when it does not occur naturally, and can regulate contractions when they are not effective and it is diagnosed that labor is not progressing properly.

In addition, it can also be used to contract the uterus after childbirth or abortion when bleeding is very abundant, preventing bleeding that could lead to loss of the uterus and even death if not properly controlled.