From which gland is oxytocin secreted?

Oxytocin is a hormone that plays a crucial role in several physiological processes, including labor and delivery, lactation, and social bonding. It is synthesized in the hypothalamus and then stored and secreted by the pituitary gland, specifically the posterior portion known as the posterior pituitary.

The pituitary gland, often referred to as the "master gland," is responsible for releasing various hormones that regulate critical bodily functions. The posterior pituitary releases oxytocin into the bloodstream in response to certain stimuli, such as uterine contractions during childbirth or infant suckling during breastfeeding.

In contrast, the thyroid gland is primarily involved in regulating metabolism through the production of thyroid hormones; the adrenal gland produces hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline that are involved in stress response; and the pancreas is essential for regulating blood sugar levels through insulin and glucagon. These functions do not include the secretion of oxytocin, confirming why the correct answer is the pituitary gland.