Endocrine System
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Structure of Mammary Glands and Breasts
Both males and females possess mammary glands. The mammary glands of males and immature females are similar. At puberty, estrogens and progesterone stimulate the development of female mammary glands. Estrogens start breast and mammary gland development, and progesterone stimulates the maturation of the mammary glands so that
Lactation – The Control of Lactation and Milk Ejection
High blood levels of estrogens and progesterone during pregnancy stimulate the development of the mammary glands and enlargement of the breasts in preparation for milk secretion, or lactation (lak-ta’-shun). Although the mammary glands are capable of secreting milk, the high levels of estrogens and progesterone inhibit the
Mechanisms of Hormone Action And Control of Hormone Production
A hormone produces its effect by binding to a target cell’s receptors for that hormone. The more receptors it binds to, the greater is the effect on the target cell. All hormones affect target cells by altering their metabolic activities. For example, they may change the rate
Pituitary Gland – Control And Hormones of Anterior And Posterior Lobe
The pituitary gland, or hypophysis, is attached to the hypothalamus by a short stalk. It rests in a depression of the sphenoid bone, the sella turcica, which provides protection. The pituitary gland consists of two major parts that have different functions: an anterior lobe and a posterior
