There are millions of oxytocin receptors in the human body. These tiny receptors are like locks, and oxytocin is the key. When oxytocin unlocks the oxytocin receptors, these receptors become activated and trigger specific responses in the body. For example, during childbirth, the body releases a huge amount of oxytocin, which activates oxytocin receptors located on the mother's uterus (an organ located in the abdomen where the baby develops before birth). These receptors signal contraction of the uterus, which assists the baby's trip through the birth canal during birth. Later on, when a baby breastfeeds, oxytocin is released from the mother's brain to stimulate the flow of breast milk. If mothers are having difficulty in delivering the baby or with breastfeeding, their doctors will sometimes prescribe oxytocin (an artificial version that is sometimes delivered via a nasal spray) to help them with these processes. However, oxytocin does not just act in females – it is also involved in the control of blood pressure and kidney functions in both males and females.

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