Question

What is colostrum?

Answer 1

Hint: In mammals, the presence of mammary glands is a peculiar and distinctive characteristic. A mammary gland is a type of exocrine gland that produces milk for the nourishment and growth of the newly born and young offspring. The glands are arranged in the organs such as the breasts in the primates. In the ruminants such as cows, goats they are the udder and in other animals such as dogs and cats, they are known as drugs.

Complete answer:
The mammary glands are important glands in the mammals, and they produce milk for feeding the young offspring. The production of milk by the mammary glands is known as lactation. The process of lactation begins only in the females after the gestation period. The gestion and formation of milk in the females are directed by the production of the sex steroids. The lactation is under the hormonal control which occurs after childbirth. The structure of the mammary gland shows the presence of hollow cavities known as the alveoli. The alveoli are lined with milk-secreting cuboidal cells which are surrounded by myoepithelial cells. They join to form the lobules or the groups. Each of the lobules bears a lactiferous duct and it drains into openings in the nipple.

The secretion of the milk is processed under the stimulation of oxytocin. During the pregnancy, due to the rising levels of prolactin, estrogen and progesterone the blood flow increases in the adipose tissues of the secretory alveoli. After the childbirth, a thick yellowish secretion is produced which is known as the colostrum.

Colostrum is the first milk produced by the mammary glands after the birth of the child. It is produced immediately after the birth of the newborn. It is also known as the bee stings or first milk. The colostrum is rich in protein, fat and other necessary elements. It is extremely rich in antibodies and provides protection to the newborn by stimulating the defense system.

The newborns are very immature and have a small digestive system. The colostrum contains immune cells and many antibodies, cytokines and other factors which help the newborn to adapt well to the existing surroundings. The colostrum contains nutrients in very concentrated and low volume form and delivers nourishment to the infant. It helps to pass the baby’s first stool due to its laxative effects and helps to clear excess of bilirubin. Bilirubin is produced in large quantities at birth due to reduction in blood volume from the infant’s body.

Note: The colostrum is a thick secretion produced just after the childbirth. It is very important and provides nourishment to the newborn child. The production of colostrum is under the influence of hormones that are produced during the pregnancy and gestational period.