The secretion of milk from the mammary glands is known as [[Lactation - Overview of Lactation - Anatomy & Physiology|lactation]] - the milk provides [[Lactation - 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 [[Lactation_-_Milk_Composition_and_Biosynthesis-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Colostrum|colostrum]]. Lactation continues until the neonate is weaned; after weaning the [[Lactation - The Mammary Gland - Anatomy & Physiology|mammary glands]] undergo [[Lactation - Involution - Anatomy & Physiology|involution]] and return to a non-secretory state.
+
The secretion of milk from the mammary glands is known as [[Lactation - Overview of Lactation - Anatomy & Physiology|lactation]] - the milk provides [[Lactation - 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 [[Lactation_-_Milk_Composition_and_Biosynthesis-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Colostrum|colostrum]]. Mammary development and milk production and let down are induced by [[Lactation - Endocrine Control - Anatomy & Physiology|hormonal signals]]. Lactation continues until the neonate is weaned; after weaning the [[Lactation - The Mammary Gland - Anatomy & Physiology|mammary glands]] undergo [[Lactation - Involution - Anatomy & Physiology|involution]] and return to a non-secretory state.
−
+
Various pathological states that affect the mammary tissues include [[Neoplasia - Pathology#Examples of Tumour Types|mammary neoplasia]] and [[Healing and Repair - Pathology#Female|mastitis]]. Metabolic disturbances can also occur during lactation, the most common being [[General Pathology - Vascular Fluid Balance - Pathology#Calcium|hypocalcaemia]] or 'milk fever'.
−
−
−
* [[Lactation - Endocrine Control - Anatomy & Physiology|Endocrine Control]]
−
−
−
−
−
* [[Lactation - Links to Associated Pathology - Anatomy & Physiology|Links to Associated Pathology]]