LACTOGENIC HORMONE Meaning and
Definition
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A lactogenic hormone, also known as a lactotrophin, is a type of hormone that plays a crucial role in the production and secretion of milk in mammals, particularly in females. This hormone is mainly produced and released by the anterior pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain.
The lactogenic hormone is formally called prolactin and is secreted in response to various stimuli such as suckling, the act of a baby feeding at the breast. It acts primarily on the mammary glands, stimulating the growth of mammary tissue and promoting the synthesis of milk within the mammary alveoli, which are small sacs responsible for milk production.
During pregnancy, levels of lactogenic hormone rise significantly, preparing the mammary glands for lactation. After childbirth and the delivery of the placenta, the sudden drop in progesterone levels triggers the release of prolactin, initiating the production of milk. As the baby continues to suckle and stimulate the nipples, the lactogenic hormone maintains milk production and supply.
In addition to its lactation-related functions, prolactin also has other effects in the body. It can act as a growth factor, influence the reproductive system, and regulate the immune system. Irregularities in lactogenic hormone levels can result in various disorders, including inadequate or excessive milk production, menstrual abnormalities, and infertility.
Common Misspellings for LACTOGENIC HORMONE
- kactogenic hormone
- pactogenic hormone
- oactogenic hormone
- lzctogenic hormone
- lsctogenic hormone
- lwctogenic hormone
- lqctogenic hormone
- laxtogenic hormone
- lavtogenic hormone
- laftogenic hormone
- ladtogenic hormone
- lacrogenic hormone
- lacfogenic hormone
- lacgogenic hormone
- lacyogenic hormone
- lac6ogenic hormone
- lac5ogenic hormone
- lactigenic hormone
- lactkgenic hormone
Etymology of LACTOGENIC HORMONE
The word "lactogenic hormone" is derived from two Greek roots: "lacto" meaning "milk" and "genic" meaning "to produce or generate". Therefore, when combined, "lactogenic" refers to something that generates or produces milk. "Hormone" is a term of Latin origin, derived from the Greek word "hormon" meaning "that which sets in motion". In the context of "lactogenic hormone", it refers to a substance that stimulates the production of milk.
