ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Prolactin contributes to hundreds of physiologic functions, but the two primary responsibilities are milk production and the development of mammary glands within breast tissues. Prolactin promotes the growth of mammary alveoli, which are the components of the mammary gland, where the actual production of milk occurs.

Detailed explanation-2: -A prolactin (PRL) test measures the level of prolactin in the blood. Prolactin is a hormone made by the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain. Prolactin causes the breasts to grow and make milk during pregnancy and after birth.

Detailed explanation-3: -At delivery, levels of estrogen and progesterone fall, allowing the hormone prolactin to increase and initiate milk production.

Detailed explanation-4: -Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Stimulates Prolactin Release from Lactotrophs in Photoperiodic Species Through a Gonadotropin-Independent Mechanism.