How can men lactate

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Qrius delivers fresh, immersive writing that answers the question 'Why should I care? Start your mornings with the acclaimed 'Qrius Mornings' newsletter that gives you our best article of the day right in your inbox. Explained, Now you know, Science. By Qrius. By Melissa The ability to lactate exists in a variety of male animals, though male milk production is typically a rare occurrence. Featured articles 1.

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To start, male lactation has been observed in a few domesticated animals, including cats, goats and guinea pigs, on rare occasions. However, male lactation seems to be common only in dayak fruit bats, though it's not yet clear why males of this species have the biology to spontaneously produce milk.

Importantly, human biology also makes male lactation a possibility. For both women and men, breast tissue contains hollow cavities called alveoli, which are lined with milk-secreting cells. But the critical determinant of lactation is prolactin, a hormone that's produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk.