milk-ejection reflex
Definition: release of milk from the breast following tactile stimulation of the nipple; the afferent path is postulated to exist from the nipple to the hypothalamus; the efferent limb is represented by the neurohypophysial release of oxytocin into the systemic circulation; contraction of myoepithelial elements within the breast, caused by oxytocin, moves milk into the collecting ducts and toward the nipple.
Synonym(s): let-down reflex, milk let-down reflex
Search Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Examples: glitazone, GI cocktail, etc.
