USMLE Step 2 CK Lecture Notes 2019: Obstetrics/Gynecology (Kaplan Test Prep)

HORMONES

Reproductive hormones are important in the development of the breast in
puberty and in lactation.

Table I-1-3. Effect of  Hormones    on  Breast

Estrogen Ducts, nipples,    fat

Progesterone Lobules,   alveoli

Prolactin Milk  production

Oxytocin Milk   ejection

Estrogen,   released    from    the ovarian follicle,   promotes    the growth  ducts.

Progesterone,   released    from    the corpus  luteum, stimulates  the development

of  milk-producing  alveolar    cells.

Prolactin,  released    from    the anterior    pituitary   gland,  stimulates  milk

production.

Oxytocin,   released    from    the posterior   pituitary   in  response    to  suckling,   causes

milk    ejection    from    the lactating   breast.