What is the effect of oxytocin on the myoepithelial cells of the mammary gland?
1) Contraction to facilitate milk ejection
2) Relaxation to facilitate milk secretion
3) Increase in cellular metabolism
4) Growth and proliferation of myoepithelial cells
E. Inhibition of milk secretion
📝 Explanation:
Oxytocin causes contraction of the myoepithelial cells surrounding the mammary alveoli, which presses milk into the larger ducts and leads to the milk let-down reflex. This is essential for milk ejection during lactation.