Lactation and Breast Development

Question 1

Describe the development of the breast ducts

Answer 1

Glands develop during puberty due to progesterone, Hypertrophy during pregnancy due to progesterone and oestrogen

Question 2

State why breasts do not secrete during pregnancy and why this changes after birth

Answer 2

Inhibited by progesterone and oestrogen, Once placenta is delivered source of steroids is lost

Question 3

Describe the hormonal process causing milk to be produced

Answer 3

Prolactin released due to suckling, produces milk for the next feed

Question 4

Describe how prolactin levels are controlled

Answer 4

Inhibited by dopamine

Question 5

Describe how milk is released

Answer 5

Suckling triggers oxytocin release causing contraction of myoepithelial cells around the ducts forcing the milk out

Question 6

Describe colostrum

Answer 6

Milk with high concentrations of immunoglobulins, released for first few weeks after delivery

Question 7

Describe how secretion of milk stops

Answer 7

Unused milk remains in the breast making them turgid compressing the blood vessels

Question 8

Describe how the secretion of milk can be stopped pharmacologically

Answer 8

Give progesterone and oestrogen