Question 13

Prolactin is responsible for stimulating enlargement of breast tissue and milk production.

Prolactin plays a crucial role in the development of breast tissue and is essential for milk production in mammals, particularly during and after pregnancy.

A) Prolactin

Prolactin is the primary hormone responsible for stimulating breast tissue enlargement and initiating milk production. It is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and its levels increase during pregnancy and postpartum to support lactation.

B) Growth

Growth hormone primarily regulates growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration in the body. It does not specifically stimulate breast tissue enlargement or play a direct role in milk production, thus making it an incorrect answer for this question.

C) Oxytocin

Oxytocin is important for milk ejection during breastfeeding but does not stimulate the enlargement of breast tissue or initiate milk production. Its main role is in the milk let-down reflex, which occurs after prolactin has already stimulated milk production.

D) Follicle-stimulating

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is involved in reproductive processes such as the development of ovarian follicles in females and spermatogenesis in males. It does not have a direct role in breast tissue enlargement or milk production, making this option incorrect.

Conclusion

Prolactin is definitively the correct answer as it directly stimulates both the enlargement of breast tissue and the production of milk. Other options, including growth hormone, oxytocin, and follicle-stimulating hormone, do not fulfill the criteria of directly influencing breast development or lactation.