/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 83 During childbirth, the hormone o... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 34: Problem 83

During childbirth, the hormone oxytocin causes contraction of the uterine wall muscles. As contractions increase, more oxytocin is released from the pituitary, leading to more contractions. This is an example of which mechanism? a. end product inhibition b. negative feedback mechanism c. positive feedback mechanism d. feedback inhibition

Short Answer

Expert verified
Positive feedback mechanism (c)

Step by step solution

01

Identify the Scenario

The scenario describes the role of oxytocin during childbirth, causing uterine wall muscle contractions and the subsequent release of more oxytocin leading to more contractions.
02

Understand Feedback Mechanisms

Feedback mechanisms can be negative or positive. Negative feedback reduces the initial stimulus, while positive feedback amplifies it.
03

Analyze the Given Information

Since more oxytocin is released in response to increased contractions, which in turn causes even more contractions, this process amplifies the initial stimulus.
04

Determine the Mechanism

A process where the response to a stimulus increases the original stimulus is known as a positive feedback mechanism.
05

Select the Correct Option

Based on the analysis, the correct choice is: c. positive feedback mechanism.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a powerful hormone that plays many roles in the body. It is often called the 'love hormone' because it promotes bonding, social interactions, and feelings of love.
Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland.
During childbirth, it has a crucial role in stimulating the muscles of the uterus to contract. This process helps push the baby out during labor.
Oxytocin also assists in postpartum bonding between mother and baby and stimulates milk release during breastfeeding. Understanding its functions gives us a clearer picture of how complex and beautifully designed the human body is.
Childbirth
Childbirth, also known as labor or delivery, is the process by which a baby is born. It involves several stages and can be quite an intense experience for the mother.
The main stages of childbirth are:
  • Early labor: Contractions begin and become regular.
  • Active labor: The cervix dilates, and contractions become stronger and more frequent.
  • Transition: This is the final phase before the baby is born, with intense contractions.
  • Delivery: The baby is pushed out through the birth canal.
Throughout these stages, hormones like oxytocin play a vital role in regulating contractions and ensuring the baby is delivered safely. The process of childbirth is an excellent example of the body's feedback mechanisms at work.
Feedback Loops
Feedback loops are biological mechanisms that help maintain homeostasis, or stability, in the body.
There are two main types of feedback loops:
  • Negative Feedback Loop: This loop works to reduce or negate the initial stimulus. An example is how the body regulates temperature.
  • Positive Feedback Loop: This loop amplifies or enhances the initial stimulus. The role of oxytocin during childbirth is a prime example of a positive feedback loop.
Understanding feedback loops is essential as they reveal how the body maintains balance and responds to changes. Positive feedback loops, like the one in childbirth, show how certain processes can accelerate until a specific outcome is achieved.
Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized organ located at the base of the brain. It is often termed the 'master gland' because it controls several other hormone glands in the body.
The pituitary gland has two main parts:
  • Anterior Pituitary: It produces hormones like growth hormone, prolactin, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
  • Posterior Pituitary: It stores and releases oxytocin and vasopressin (also known as antidiuretic hormone).
During childbirth, the posterior pituitary releases oxytocin, which then stimulates uterine contractions. This release is part of a positive feedback loop that increases contractions until delivery is achieved. Understanding the role of the pituitary gland helps us see its importance in various body functions, including crucial processes like childbirth.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

In both males and females, the hormones FSH and LH play a critical role in the reproductive phase. What regulates the secretion of these hormones? a. GnRH b. estrogen c. progesterone d. inhibin

Which best describes the three stages of labor? a. During stage one, the cervix thins. During stage two, the cervix is dilated to about 10 cm and the baby is expelled from the uterus. The last stage is the passage of the placenta after the baby has been born. b. During stage one, the cervix thins and is dilated to about 10 cm. During stage two, the baby is expelled from the uterus. The last stage is the passage of the placenta after the baby has been born. c. During stage one, the cervix thins. During stage two, the cervix is dilated to about 10 cm. During the last stage, the baby is expelled from the uterus, followed by the placenta. d. During stage one, the cervix thins and may or may not be dilated. During stage two, the baby is expelled from the uterus. The last stage is the passage of the placenta after the baby has been born.

Spawning is often triggered by a signal such as water temperature or day length. What is an advantage of using this type of signal versus using individual courtship behaviors? a. It allows many individuals to spawn simultaneously without males and females having to choose individual mates. b. It is the only way that males and females can time gamete release simultaneously. c. These are the only types of signals that can be used. d. It increases the distance that gametes can travel.

Which of the following statements about the menstrual cycle is TRUE? a. Estrogen levels rise during the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle and the secretory phase of the uterine cycle. b. Menstruation occurs much before LH and FSH levels peak. c. Menstruation occurs after progesterone levels rise. d. Progesterone levels rise before ovulation, while estrogen levels rise after.

The spermatheca, which is found in many insects, worms, and mollusks, is useful for _____. a. spermatogenesis b. sperm motility c. growth of embryos d. storing sperm and as a site for fertilizatio
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

Control of Gene Expression

Read Explanation

Reproduction

Read Explanation

Heredity

Read Explanation

Energy Transfers

Read Explanation

Microbiology

Read Explanation

Cell Communication

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.