glossary

Lactation

Definition Lactation

Lactation

Lactation n. the secretion of milk by the *mammary gland of the breasts, which uaually bigins at the end of pregnancy. A fluid called *colostrum is secreted before the milk is produced; both secretions are released in response to the sucking action of the infant on the nipple. Lactation is controlled by hormones (see prolactin, oxytocin); it stops when the baby is no longeer fed at the breast.