The secretion of milk from the mammary glands is known as [[Lactation - Anatomy & Physiology|lactation]] - the milk provides [Milk Composition and Biosynthesis- Anatomy & Physiology|nourishment]] for the neonate in addition to immunoprotection in the form of anitibodies which are contained in the initial mammary secretions, or [[Milk_Composition_and_Biosynthesis- Anatomy & Physiology#Colostrum|colostrum]]. Mammary development and milk production and ejection are induced by [[Lactation - Endocrine Control - Anatomy & Physiology|hormonal signals]]. Lactation continues until the neonate is weaned; after weaning the [[Mammary Gland - Anatomy & Physiology|mammary glands]] undergo [[Lactation - Anatomy & Physiology#Involution|involution]] and return to a non-secretory state. | The secretion of milk from the mammary glands is known as [[Lactation - Anatomy & Physiology|lactation]] - the milk provides [Milk Composition and Biosynthesis- Anatomy & Physiology|nourishment]] for the neonate in addition to immunoprotection in the form of anitibodies which are contained in the initial mammary secretions, or [[Milk_Composition_and_Biosynthesis- Anatomy & Physiology#Colostrum|colostrum]]. Mammary development and milk production and ejection are induced by [[Lactation - Endocrine Control - Anatomy & Physiology|hormonal signals]]. Lactation continues until the neonate is weaned; after weaning the [[Mammary Gland - Anatomy & Physiology|mammary glands]] undergo [[Lactation - Anatomy & Physiology#Involution|involution]] and return to a non-secretory state. |