Development 5

Question 1

What causes lactation?

Answer 1

during pregnancy, high levels of estrogen and progesterone prepare breasts for milk production

each breast has 20 milk glands

connect to nipples by ducts

breasts enlarge during pregnancy in preparation for lactation

expulsion of the placenta causes the mother’s
pituitary to secrete prolactin (produces milk)
->initiates lactation

Question 2

What does prolactin do?

Answer 2

produce milk, secreted by mother’s pituitary during the expulsion of the placenta

inhibits the release of LH (ovulation) suppression menstrual cycles

the high estrogen and progesterone levels during pregnancy are thought to inhibit release of prolactin

Question 3

FYI :)

Answer 3

The first fluid formed by the mammary glands is colostrum
–Thick
–contains lactose and milk proteins,
–lacks fat
–has antibodies
–after a few days, milk is produced

• Oxytocin is released from hypothalamus when infant
  suckles
  –Causes milk to be released from mammary glands