ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Both oxytocin and vasopressin are coded in a precursor form on chromosome 20 (Gimpl and Fahrenholz, 2001). Both molecules are synthesized in overlapping regions of the hypothalamus, primarily in large magnocellular neurons situated in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei.

Detailed explanation-2: -Your pituitary gland is a part of your endocrine system. The posterior pituitary stores and releases just two of the many hormones your pituitary gland is responsible for: oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH, or vasopressin).

Detailed explanation-3: -The posterior pituitary gland does not produce hormones, but rather stores and secretes hormones produced by the hypothalamus. The paraventricular nuclei produce the hormone oxytocin, whereas the supraoptic nuclei produce ADH.

Detailed explanation-4: -Oxytocin is primarily synthesized in magnocellular neurons of the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei of the hypothalamus. The bulk of the peptide is transported to the posterior pituitary where it is released to regulate parturition and lactation.

Detailed explanation-5: -The hormones produced in the hypothalamus are corticotrophin-releasing hormone, dopamine, growth hormone-releasing hormone, somatostatin, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone and thyrotrophin-releasing hormone.