Question

Often it is important for health reasons to induce labor (i.e., smooth muscle contractions) in pregnant women. The drugs used for this purpose would most closely resemble

a. antidiuretic hormone.
b. prolactin.
c. oxytocin.
d. cortisol.

Answer 1

The drugs used to induce labor would most closely resemble oxytocin, a hormone responsible for stimulating uterine contractions during childbirth.

Step-by-step explanation:

The drugs used to induce labor in pregnant women would most closely resemble oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone released by the posterior pituitary gland that stimulates the smooth muscle contractions necessary for labor. It leads to contractions of the uterine wall and the dilation of the cervix. During childbirth, an increase in oxytocin results in stronger uterine contractions, which in turn causes additional oxytocin to be released—this is known as a positive feedback loop. When labor needs to be induced, a synthetic form of oxytocin known as pitocin may be administered.