Roles of Hormones in Parturition & Lactation Flashcards
what is parturition?
giving birth
what allows other hormones to effect uterine muscles?
decrease in progesterone levels
what happens due to the levels of oestrogen & oxytocin to rise?
uterine contractions & cervical softening - parturition begins.
what hormone is secreted by the ovaries?
relaxin
what does relaxin do?
relaxes the pelvic ligaments & opens birth canal
what happens to the oestrogen & progesterone levels to allow secretion of prolactin?
they drop
what triggers lactation?
the secretion of prolactin.
when is cortisol released?
when animals are stressed
what is cortisols role in giving birth?
body prioritises making cortisol so progesterone levels drop making a high oestrogen: progesterone ratio –> early labour
what is lactation?
production of milk by the females mammary system.
what does lactation allow?
allows the mother to provide offspring with nutritious milk to aid its survival.
what stimulates milk release?
offspring suckling, sight of offspring, sound of milking machines.
what do hormones help with during lactation?
starting milk production, stimulates milk let down & restarts the reproductive process.
what does prolactin do in lactation?
starts the lactation process as it triggers mammary gland to start milk production.
what does oxytocin do in lactation?
is stimulated due to the offspring suckling at the teat & leads to milk production
