Case#2: A woman is in labor. The size of the fetus combined with the contractions of the uterine muscular layer stretches the uterine wall, stimulating stretch receptors in the cervix. Signals from these receptors are conducted through nerves to the hypothalamus/posterior pituitary. The hypothalamus/posterior pituitary releases oxytocin. The oxytocin travels through the blood and stimulates the smooth muscle layer of the uterus. Oxytocin has two effects on the uterine smooth muscle: It directly stimulates the smooth muscle to contract more frequently and more It causes the uterine wall to release prostaglandins, which increase the frequency and force of the contraction seven more. These effects push the fetus more forcefully into the cervix, stimulating the stretch receptors further. The receptors send additional impulses to the hypothalamus/posterior pituitary. The increased activation of the hypothalamus/posterior pituitary stimulates release of additional oxytocin, which further stimulates the uterus. This cycle of activation continues until the fetus is expelled from the uterus. Whatis the stimulus of this control loop? What is the control center? What is the effector? Thisis an example of (positive / negative) How could you tell?

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)

11th Edition

ISBN:9780134580999

Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...

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Case#2: A woman is in labor. The size of the fetus combined with the contractions of the uterine muscular layer stretches the uterine wall, stimulating stretch receptors in the cervix. Signals from these receptors are conducted through nerves to the hypothalamus/posterior pituitary. The hypothalamus/posterior pituitary releases oxytocin. The oxytocin travels through the blood and stimulates the smooth muscle layer of the uterus. Oxytocin has two effects on the uterine smooth muscle:

It directly stimulates the smooth muscle to contract more frequently and more
It causes the uterine wall to release prostaglandins, which increase the frequency and force of the contraction seven more.

These effects push the fetus more forcefully into the cervix, stimulating the stretch receptors further. The receptors send additional impulses to the hypothalamus/posterior pituitary. The increased activation of the hypothalamus/posterior pituitary stimulates release of additional oxytocin, which further stimulates the uterus. This cycle of activation continues until the fetus is expelled from the uterus.