Question

The effect of prolactin hormone is on
A. Liver
B. Pancreas
C. Mammary gland
D. Bone

Answer 1

Hint: Prolactin is a luteotropic hormone released by the anterior pituitary gland. Growth of mammary glands and formation of milk is regulated by prolactin.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
Anterior pituitary gland secretes prolactin which stimulates the production of milk by the mammary glands. Posterior pituitary gland secretes oxytocin that stimulates ejection of milk. During pregnancy, the level of estrogen and progesterone is very high due to which prolactin promotes the growth of mammary tissue. The mammary glands are paired that consist of glandular tissue and variable amount of fat. Each breast is divided into 15-20 mammary lobes. Each mammary lobe contains a cluster of cells called alveoli. These alveoli secrete milk which is stored in the lumen of alveoli. This alveoli opens into mammary tubules. Then these tubules join to form a mammary duct. Mammary ampulla is formed by joining mammary ducts. Ampulla is connected to the lactiferous duct through which milk is sucked out. Prolactin performs two main functions of milk production and growth of mammary alveoli. It produces milk rich in lactose, casein and lipids.

The correct option is c.

Note: Besides developing mammary tissue, prolactin performs other functions as well such as foetal lung development, controlling osmolarity, metabolism of subcutaneous carbohydrates, fats and lactalbumin. When pituitary glands secretes too much of the prolactin hormone, it causes noncancerous tumor called prolactinoma which causes decreases the level of sex hormones named estrogen and progesterone. As prolactinoma noncancerous it does not spread and is not lethal but it causes vision problems, infertility, and other problems.