Which hormone from the anterior pituitary stimulates milk production?

• A. Prolactin
• B. Growth Hormone
• C. ACTH
• D. TSH

Answer: (A)

Milk production is driven by prolactin from the anterior pituitary. Prolactin acts on the mammary glands, stimulating the synthesis and secretion of milk components such as proteins, lactose, and fats, enabling lactation after birth. Its release is normally held in check by dopamine, but suckling reduces this inhibition and increases prolactin levels, promoting milk production. Other anterior pituitary hormones like growth hormone, ACTH, and TSH have roles in growth, metabolism, and endocrine regulation, but they do not drive milk production. It’s worth noting that oxytocin, not production, triggers the milk ejection reflex during feeding.