What hormone stimulates strong uterine contractions during parturition?

Oxytocin is the hormone responsible for stimulating strong uterine contractions during parturition, or the process of giving birth. This hormone is produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland. It plays a crucial role in childbirth by promoting powerful contractions of the uterine muscles, which help facilitate the delivery of the fetus.

In addition to its role in childbirth, oxytocin is also involved in various reproductive functions, including milk ejection during lactation. Its effects on uterine contractions are part of a positive feedback loop, where the more the uterus contracts, the more oxytocin is released, further enhancing the contractions until delivery is achieved. Therefore, the correct answer accurately reflects the specific function of oxytocin in the birthing process.