The birth of a baby and milk production are synchronized. Babies can be born several months prematurely, and milk production is needed immediately after birth. How has the human body evolved to coordinate this delicate timing of events?

Question

A. The hypothalamus and pituitary that triggered the female reproductive cycle also schedule milk production on a nine-month clock basis.
B. ADH produced by the baby passes through the placenta and, added to the mother's ADH, builds up her milk production relative to the size of the fetus.
C. The ovaries signal the rest of the body tissues by varying the level of estrogen.
D. Conscious awareness of the arrival of a baby triggers the mother's hypothalamus to secrete prolactin.
E. Oxytocin causes both the uterus to contract in labor and the release of milk from mammary glands, which is reinforced by prolactin from the pituitary.

Answer 1

Answer: E