Question

The correct pathway of milk ejection from mammary glands is
(i) Sensory impulses are transmitted through somatic nerves from the nipples to the mother's spinal cord and then to her hypothalamus.
(ii) Expulsion of milk from alveoli into the ducts.
(iii) Suckling action of baby on the breast.
(iv) Contraction of myoepithelial cells.
(v) Secretion of oxytocin.

• A. (iv), (iii), (v), (i) & (ii)
• B. (iii), (i), (v), (ii) & (iv)
• C. (iii), (i), (v), (iv) & (ii)
• D. (iv), (iii), (i), (v) & (ii)

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The mechanism by which milk is transported from the breast alveoli to the nipple is called milk ejection reflex. Suckling pf nipples by the baby Sensory impulses are transmitted through somatic nerves from the nipples to the mother's spinal cord and then to her hypothalamus (paraventricular nuclei and supraoptic nucleus). They send signals to the posterior pituitary gland to produce oxytocin. Oxytocin stimulates contraction of the myoepithelial cells surrounding the alveoli, which already hold milk. The increased pressure causes milk to flow through the duct system and be released through the nipple. This response can be conditioned e.g. to the cry of the baby.