Lactogenesis

Question 1

When does lactogenesis I begin?

Answer 1

around 16-20 weeks onwards

Question 2

neuroendocrine control leads to the production of what during pregnancy?

Answer 2

Colostrum

Question 3

what inhibits prolactin during pregnancy? suppressing milk production?

Answer 3

increased levels of oestrogen, progesterone, human placental lactogen and prolactin-inhibiting factor

Question 4

what characteristics define lactogenesis II?

Answer 4

endocrine function- under hormonal control
initiation of copious milk secretion (milk coming in)
fullness and warmth in the breast

Question 5

lactogenesis II is responsible for?

Answer 5

the production of colostrum and transitional milk

Question 6

what triggers lactogenesis II?

Answer 6

a rapid reduction in maternal plasma progesterone levels giving way to prolactin levels which remain high. After the birth of the placenta, the pituitary gland produces low levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), leading to low levels of oestrogen and progesterone enhancing the production of prolactin, releasing the lactocytes from their inhibitory state.

Question 7

when lactocytes are released from their inhibitory state, they are able to?

Answer 7

respond to the circulating levels of prolactin, thereby producing milk.

Question 8

what characteristics define lactogenesis III or galactopoiesis?

Answer 8

moves from endocrine to autocrine control.
Use it or lose it.
Supply and demand
Breasts soften, milk quantity changes due to demands.
Present in most woman from day 9 post birth onwards- until involution

Question 9

what is prolactin responsible for during pregnancy?

Answer 9

increases breast mass and and cell differentiation

Question 10

what is prolactin essential for after birth?

Answer 10

the production and maintenance of milk.

Question 11

what is oxytocin essential for in relation to lactation

Answer 11

for the removal of milk from the breast-neuroendocrine regulation.

Question 12

the effective removal of milk involves what two closely related aspects of breastfeeding?

Answer 12

• the let down reflex and the role of the posterior pituitary hormone oxytocin.
• The important role the infant has to play in suckling the breast to remove the milk.

Question 13

What are the two names for mammary tissue?

Answer 13

parenchyma and stroma

Question 14

what is the functional component of the breast?

Answer 14

the parynchema (glandular tissue)

Question 15

what are the main hormones of lactation?

Answer 15

oestrogen, proegsterone. prolactin, oxytocin

Question 16

What are the supportive metabolic hormones also needed for secretion of milk at alveolar level

Answer 16

insulin, cortisol, thyroid, parathyroid and growth hormone