melk 2

Exclusive Breastfeeding

when an infant receives only breast milk, with no other food or drink, for the first six months of life

Complementary Feeding

the practice of introducing solid foods and liquids in addition to breast milk or formula when a child's nutritional needs are no longer met by breast milk alone

Lactational ammenorhea

a natural method of birth control that occurs when breastfeeding suppresses ovulation and prevents menstruation

Heifer

a young female cow that has not borne a calf

Milk Plasma

the fluid part of milk that contains dissolved proteins, minerals, and casein, but not suspended butterfat

Milk serum

the liquid that remains after milk fat and casein micelles are removed

Solids-not-fat

the term for the components of milk that are not water or butterfat

Exosomes

small, membrane-bound vesicles that are secreted by cells into the extracellular environment

Somatic cells

any cell of a living organism other than the reproductive cells.

Probiotics

live bacteria and yeasts that have beneficial effects on your body

Reproductive strategies: r-species and k-species

two reproductive strategies that species use to survive and reproduce

Milk line

a line of thickened tissue that runs from the armpit to the groin in a developing fetus

Mammary bud

a small bump that appears under the nipple during puberty, and is the first sign of breast development

Mammogenesis

the process of breast development that begins in the embryo and continues throughout a woman's life

Lactogenesis

the process of developing the ability to produce milk

Galactopoiesis

the process of maintaining milk production after lactation has begun

Involution

the process by which the mammary gland returns to a non-lactating state after weaning or the end of a mammal's reproductive life

Alveoli

Small cavity or sac found in the mammary gland. Mammary alveoli are the site of milk production and storage in the mammary gland

Gland cistern

a space in the mammary gland that stores milk

Myoepithelial cells

a type of epithelial cell that can contract and support secretory cells in glands

Lactocytes

cells in the breasts that produce and store milk

Teat (streak) canal

the opening at the bottom of a cow's teat that allows milk to flow out while keeping bacteria out

Suspensory ligaments

a fibrous tissue that supports an organ or body part

Nipple/teat

raised part of a mammal's breast that produces milk

Areola

a small circular area, in particular the ring of pigmented skin surrounding a nipple

Lymphatic system

helps with fluid balance and milk production by draining lymph fluid and filtering harmful substances

Neuro-endocrine Reflex

a response that involves both the nervous system and the endocrine system

Golgi/secretory vesicle

membrane-bound vesicles derived from the trans-Golgi network that contain secretory products for delivery to the plasma membrane and subsequent release from the cell

Signal peptide

a short amino acid sequence that directs proteins to specific locations in a cell

Lactose synthase components

α-lactalbumin and β1,4-galactosyltransferase

Extracellular matrix components

made up of many macromolecules, including proteins, polysaccharides, and receptors. These components work together to support cells and tissues, regulate cell functions, and signal between cells.

Matrix metalloprotease

enzymes that break down proteins in the extracellular matrix (ECM)

Oxytocin

a hormone released by the pituitary gland that causes increased contraction of the uterus during labor and stimulates the ejection of milk into the ducts of the breasts

Prolactin

a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. It plays a crucial role in breast development and milk production in women, particularly during and after pregnancy

Cortisone

a natural component of breast milk that passes from the mother's bloodstream into the milk. It may play a role in a number of aspects of the infant's development

Progesterone

a hormone that plays a key role in preparing the breasts for milk production during pregnancy by promoting the development of milk ducts and alveoli

Estrus cycle

a series of physiological changes that occur in female mammals that are sexually mature

Induced lactation

the process of producing breast milk without pregnancy

Bovine somatotropin

a protein hormone that increases milk production in cows

Lactation curve (bovine)

a graphical representation of a cow's milk production over time throughout a lactation cycle, typically showing a rapid increase in milk yield after calving, reaching a peak production level, and then gradually declining until the cow is dried off