Milk ejection is facilitated by:March 2007, March 2013

Ans. A: OxytocinHormonal control of Breast development and secretion and ejection of milkProgesterone -- influences the growth in size of alveoli and lobes.Oestrogen -- stimulates the milk duct system to grow and become specific.Follicle stimulating hormoneLuteinizing hormoneProlactin -- contributes to the increased growth of the alveoli during pregnancy and formation of milkOxytocin -- oxytocin contracts the smooth muscle layer of band-like cells surrounding the alveoli to squeeze the newly-produced milk into the duct system. Oxytocin is necessary for the milk ejection reflex, or let-down to occur.Human placental lactogen (HPL) --This hormone appears to be associated with breast, nipple, and areola growth before bih.Colostrum contains higher amounts of white blood cells and antibodies than mature milk, and is especially high in immunoglobulin A (IgA), which coats the lining of the baby's immature intestines, and helps to prevent germs from invading the baby's system.