Final answer:
The hormone responsible for stimulating lactation is prolactin, which is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and is crucial for both the development of the mammary glands and the production of breast milk. option c.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hormone that stimulates lactation is prolactin. Prolactin is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and is essential not just for the production of breast milk, but also for the development of mammary glands during pregnancy. After childbirth, prolactin levels remain high as long as the act of breastfeeding or pumping occurs frequently, ensuring an adequate milk supply for the infant. It's important to note that while oxytocin also plays a role in lactation by promoting the milk let-down reflex, it does not stimulate milk production; instead, it aids in the ejection of milk from the mammary glands. Therefore, the correct answer is: c) prolactin.