Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a hormone, found in humans and other mammals, which is involved in the facilitation of birth and breastfeeding as well as in bonding and the formation of trust between people.

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Oxytocin is synthesized in magnocellular neurosecretory cells in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland.

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Hormone: A hormone (from Greek horman - "to set in motion") is a chemical messenger from one cell (or group of cells) to another. All multicellular organisms produce hormones (including plants - see article phytohormone)....

Magnocellular neurosecretory cell: Magnocellular neurosecretory cells are cells within the supraoptic nucleus and paraventricular nucleus. They are also found in smaller numbers in accessory cell groups between these two nuclei, the largest one being the nucleus circularis. The magnocellular neurosecretory cells have long axons which...

Hypothalamus: In the anatomy of mammals, the hypothalamus is a region of the brain located below the thalamus, forming the major portion of the ventral region of the diencephalon and functioning to regulate certain metabolic processes and other autonomic activities. The hypothalamus links the nervous system to t...