Final answer:
Exogenous oxytocin (Pitocin) is a synthetic hormone used to induce or augment labor by stimulating uterine contractions during childbirth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Exogenous oxytocin (Pitocin) is a synthetic hormone used to induce or augment labor. It is administered by intravenous drip when a pregnancy is not progressing to labor and needs to be induced. Oxytocin is a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth. The feedback mechanism between oxytocin and the smooth muscle cells of the uterus leads to the intensification and effectiveness of uterine contractions and prompts the dilation of the cervix.