Question

During labor in childbirth, what is the next step of the positive feedback loop below?

1. Contractions push the fetus against the cervix.
2. The cervix begins to dilate.
3. Dilating triggers the production of the hormone oxytocin.
4. _____

Answer 1

The next step after the production of oxytocin is that oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions, pushing the baby harder against the cervix, which further stretches and signals for more oxytocin, intensifying the contractions until childbirth is completed.

Step-by-step explanation:

During labor in childbirth, after the production of the hormone oxytocin, the next step in the positive feedback loop is:

1. Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions which push the baby harder against the cervix.
2. The increased pressure on the cervix causes it to stretch further.
3. This stretch continues to signal the release of more oxytocin.
4. The cycle enhances until the baby is pushed through the birth canal and the labor ends with the delivery of the baby.

This cycle is a classic example of a positive feedback loop where uterine contractions become stronger and more frequent, and reaching completion with the birth of the baby.