Choriomammotropin is a hormone produced during pregnancy that stimulates milk production in the mammary glands. The spelling of this word can be broken down phonetically using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /kɔrɪoʊmæmətrɑːpɪn/. The first syllable "chorio" is pronounced with a "k" sound, and the second syllable "mammo" has an "a" sound like in "cat". Additionally, the "tropin" ending rhymes with "open". Despite its complex spelling, mastering the pronunciation of choriomammotropin is crucial for healthcare professionals working with pregnant patients.
Choriomammotropin, also known as placental lactogen (PL), is a hormone secreted by the placenta during pregnancy. It is mainly responsible for the growth and development of the mammary glands in preparation for breastfeeding.
Choriomammotropin stimulates the development of alveoli, which are tiny milk-secreting sacs within the mammary glands. It promotes the production of milk proteins and the overall increase in breast size, leading to the ability to efficiently produce and secrete milk after childbirth.
In addition to its role in mammary gland development, choriomammotropin also exerts metabolic effects on both the mother and the developing fetus. It increases the mother's insulin resistance, ensuring that adequate glucose and nutrients are delivered to the fetus for proper growth and development.
Furthermore, choriomammotropin acts as an anti-insulin hormone by antagonizing the action of insulin in various tissues. This helps to maintain blood glucose levels within the normal range during pregnancy, ensuring sufficient energy supply for both the mother and the growing fetus.
Overall, choriomammotropin plays a pivotal role in the regulation of mammary gland development and lactation, as well as in glucose metabolism during pregnancy. Its secretion and levels are highest during the third trimester, which coincides with the final stages of mammary gland maturation and the preparation for successful breastfeeding.
The word "Choriomammotropin" is derived from the combination of two terms: "chorio-" and "mammotropin".
1. Chorio-: This prefix originates from the Greek word "chorion", which refers to the outermost membrane that surrounds the fetus during pregnancy. It is derived from the Greek word "khorion", meaning "skin" or "leather".
2. Mammotropin: This term comes from the combination of two words: "mammo-" and "-tropin".
- Mammo-: This prefix is derived from the Greek word "mamma", which means "breast".
- -Tropin: This suffix also originates from Greek and is derived from the word "tropos", meaning "direction" or "turning".