Mammary Gland Development and Lactation Processes

Mammary Gland

Modified exocrine glands evolved to produce milk.

Monotremes

Early mammals that secrete milk onto skin.

Marsupials

Mammals with teats but less developed mammary systems.

Eutherians

Mammals with fully developed mammary glands.

Colostrum

First milk providing nutrients and immunity to neonates.

Mammogenesis

Growth of mammary gland through various life stages.

Lactogenesis

Transition from pregnancy to lactation at parturition.

Galactopoiesis

Maintenance of lactation through suckling and nursing.

Involution

Transition to non-lactating period after weaning.

Primary Bud

Initial growth stage of mammary gland influenced by insulin.

Cortisol

Hormone that synergizes with estrogen and prolactin.

Estrogen

Hormone promoting ductal growth and branching in puberty.

Progesterone

Hormone stimulating alveolar development before parturition.

Mammary Alveoli

Structures synthesizing and secreting milk components.

Secretory Epithelium

Cells that produce milk components in alveoli.

Myoepithelial Cells

Cells that contract to expel milk into ducts.

Prolactin

Hormone crucial for initiating and maintaining lactation.

Thyroid Hormone

Essential for normal milk production and metabolic rate.

Growth Hormone (GH)

Enhances metabolism but lacks direct lactogenic activity.

Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I)

Peptide necessary for growth, similar to insulin.

rbST

Recombinant bovine somatotropin used to enhance milk production.

Nutritional Status

Modulates response to growth hormone and lactation.

Hormonal Requirements

Include thyroid hormone, prolactin, cortisol, and GH.

Human Safety

Declared safe by health associations for rbST milk.

End Bud Formation

Final stage of alveolar development during puberty.