Womb milk, more accurately known as uterine milk, is a vital secretion that nourishes the embryo during its early development.
Understanding Uterine Milk
Uterine milk is not the same as the milk produced after birth (breast milk). Instead, it's a specialized fluid found within the uterus.
Composition and Function
Uterine milk is a white secretion comprised primarily of:
- Proteins: Essential for building and repairing tissues.
- Amino acids: The building blocks of proteins, crucial for growth.
Its main function is to provide the embryo with the necessary nutrients for survival and development before implantation and the establishment of a placental connection with the mother.
Uterine Milk vs. Embryotroph
It's important to differentiate between uterine milk and the embryotroph.
| Feature | Uterine Milk | Embryotroph |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The nutritional liquid secreted by the uterine glands | Uterine milk plus the secretions from the syncytiotrophoblast layer. |
| Source | Uterine glands | Uterine glands and syncytiotrophoblast |
| Role | Provides nutrients to the embryo | Provides nutrients and plays a role in implantation and early development. |
In essence, the embryotroph is a more inclusive term, encompassing uterine milk and other secretions important for early embryonic development.
