Which term describes the secretory process related to milk production in mammals?

Lactation is the biological process by which mammals produce and secrete milk from the mammary glands to nourish their offspring. This term specifically refers to the entire mechanism involved in the production, secretion, and delivery of milk following childbirth. It encompasses the physiological actions that trigger milk production, as well as the hormones involved, such as prolactin and oxytocin.

In contrast, keratinization refers to the process by which skin cells become filled with keratin, a protein that helps form the skin's protective barrier. Colostrum is the first milk produced after giving birth, rich in antibodies and nutrients, but it is a part of the lactation process rather than a term that describes the overall process. Gestation pertains to the period of development of the fetus inside the womb, which occurs before lactation begins. Thus, lactation specifically identifies the secretory activity related to milk production in mammals.