What process is responsible for milk production after childbirth?

What process is responsible for milk production after childbirth?

• A. Lactation
• B. Lactose digestion
• C. Ovulation
• D. Gestation

Answer: (A)

Milk production after childbirth is lactation—the process by which the mammary glands synthesize and secrete milk. After the placenta is delivered, the drop in estrogen and progesterone removes the inhibition on milk production, allowing prolactin from the pituitary to stimulate the secretory cells in the alveoli to produce milk. When the infant begins to suck, uterus-like smooth muscle around the milk glands (myoepithelial cells) respond to oxytocin by contracting and pushing milk into the ducts so it can be ejected from the nipple. Ongoing milk production is maintained with regular infant nursing and the hormonal feedback it provides. The other options describe different physiological events: digesting lactose in the gut, releasing an egg, and the pregnancy period, none of which explain milk production after birth.

Milk production after childbirth is lactation—the process by which the mammary glands synthesize and secrete milk. After the placenta is delivered, the drop in estrogen and progesterone removes the inhibition on milk production, allowing prolactin from the pituitary to stimulate the secretory cells in the alveoli to produce milk. When the infant begins to suck, uterus-like smooth muscle around the milk glands (myoepithelial cells) respond to oxytocin by contracting and pushing milk into the ducts so it can be ejected from the nipple. Ongoing milk production is maintained with regular infant nursing and the hormonal feedback it provides. The other options describe different physiological events: digesting lactose in the gut, releasing an egg, and the pregnancy period, none of which explain milk production after birth.