Prolactin

Definition

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates milk production in the mammary glands after childbirth. It plays a crucial role in maintaining milk supply for breastfeeding.

Related terms

Anterior pituitary gland: A major endocrine gland responsible for producing several hormones, including prolactin, which regulate various physiological processes.

Lactation: The process of producing and secreting milk from the mammary glands, primarily regulated by prolactin and oxytocin.

Oxytocin:

A hormone released by the posterior pituitary gland that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and milk ejection during breastfeeding