Difference between revisions of "Lactation - Anatomy & Physiology"
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Mammary gland development is initiated prenatally in the female foetus and continues through puberty and pregnancy. The anatomy and distribution of mammary glands is diverse among mammals. Secretion of milk does not begin until shortly (hours) before parturition. Lactation provides the neonate with the opportunity to nurse and be nourished with minimal energy expenditure. It also provides immunoprotection for the neonate because initial mammary secretions (colostrum) contain antibodies that provide passive immunity. Lactation continues until the neonate is weaned. After weaning, the mammary glands undergo involution and return to a non-secretory state. | Mammary gland development is initiated prenatally in the female foetus and continues through puberty and pregnancy. The anatomy and distribution of mammary glands is diverse among mammals. Secretion of milk does not begin until shortly (hours) before parturition. Lactation provides the neonate with the opportunity to nurse and be nourished with minimal energy expenditure. It also provides immunoprotection for the neonate because initial mammary secretions (colostrum) contain antibodies that provide passive immunity. Lactation continues until the neonate is weaned. After weaning, the mammary glands undergo involution and return to a non-secretory state. | ||
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== Key words == | == Key words == | ||
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[[Image:Mammary Development.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Schematic Diagram to show the Stages of Mammary Development,Copyright RVC 2008]] | [[Image:Mammary Development.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Schematic Diagram to show the Stages of Mammary Development,Copyright RVC 2008]] | ||
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* '''Involution''': termination of milk secretion and mammary gland regression. | * '''Involution''': termination of milk secretion and mammary gland regression. | ||
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Revision as of 17:37, 7 December 2010
Introduction
Mammary gland development is initiated prenatally in the female foetus and continues through puberty and pregnancy. The anatomy and distribution of mammary glands is diverse among mammals. Secretion of milk does not begin until shortly (hours) before parturition. Lactation provides the neonate with the opportunity to nurse and be nourished with minimal energy expenditure. It also provides immunoprotection for the neonate because initial mammary secretions (colostrum) contain antibodies that provide passive immunity. Lactation continues until the neonate is weaned. After weaning, the mammary glands undergo involution and return to a non-secretory state.
Key words
- Mammogenesis: the development of mammary tissue
- Lactogenesis: the onset of milk secretion
- Galactopoesis: the maintenance of lactation
- Milk ejection: the expulsion of milk from alveoli
- Involution: termination of milk secretion and mammary gland regression.