What stimulates development of the mammary gland and lactation?
Prolactin is responsible for the development of mammary glands and the production of milk and colostrum. Also, estrogen and growth hormone are important for development. The act of mothering (touch, handling the infant, anticipation, etc) stimulates prolactin release which stimulates milk production. This continues as long as the mother is handling her infant. However, without oxytocin, the milk products cannot be secreted into the ducts. Oxytocin is stimulated by sucking (reflex from nerves leading from the nipple). This hormone then stimulates contraction of the myoepithelial cells which expels the milk into the duct system. The release of prolactin stimulates milk production by both breasts. The release of oxytocin occurs as the infant suckles one breast. However, some milk ejection occurs in the other breast. Nipple: Skin and connective tissue that is heavily vascularized and innervated to aid in lactation. The wrinkling comes from smooth muscle in the wall; the organization and co
