Oxytocin is a nonapeptide hormone primarily synthesized in magnocellular neurons of the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus. It is known best for its role in stimulating uterine contraction and lactation and is important for social memory and attachment, sexual and maternal behavior, and aggression. Also, it has been implicated in various non-social behaviors, including learning, anxiety, feeding, and pain perception.
