Definition

A small protein made up of a few amino acids, which has effects similar to certain hormones that help control various bodily functions, especially related to water balance and reproduction.

Example

Vasotocin plays a role in regulating water retention in some animals.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of vasotocin?

Yeah, I read it's similar to oxytocin, right?

Exactly! It’s interesting how different hormones affect behavior.

For sure, especially in animals where vasotocin plays a big role.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Vasotocin is formed from "vaso-" (from Latin "vas" meaning vessel) and "tocin" (from Greek "tokos" meaning childbirth or labor). The term refers to a hormone that plays a role in the contraction of blood vessels and is associated with childbirth.

Memory Tip

Think of 'vessel' ('vaso-') which relates to blood flow and 'childbirth' ('tocin') to remember that vasotocin is involved in both blood vessel contraction and childbirth.

Visually Confused Words