CBS Medical Terminology & Anatomy 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which layer of the breast contains the adipose tissue that gives the breast its shape and size?
- Glandular layer
- Subcutaneous layer (Correct answer)
- Retromammary layer
- Pectoral fascia
Correct answer: Subcutaneous layer
The subcutaneous layer contains adipose (fatty) tissue that surrounds and cushions the glandular breast tissue.
Question 2: The term 'prolactin' is derived from which word roots indicating its function?
- Pro (before) + lactin (sugar)
- Pro (for/in favor of) + lactin (milk) (Correct answer)
- Pro (protein) + lactin (gland)
- Pro (producing) + lactin (letdown)
Correct answer: Pro (for/in favor of) + lactin (milk)
Prolactin literally means 'for milk' — it is the hormone that promotes milk synthesis in the mammary glands.
Question 3: In breastfeeding anatomy, what is a 'lobule'?
- A large collecting duct near the nipple
- A group of alveoli that drain into a common duct (Correct answer)
- The fatty tissue surrounding glandular tissue
- A single milk-producing cell
Correct answer: A group of alveoli that drain into a common duct
A lobule is a cluster of alveoli that share a common duct, and multiple lobules form a lobe of the breast.
Question 4: Which medical term describes the hardening and distension of breasts due to milk and vascular congestion?
- Mastitis
- Galactostasis
- Engorgement (Correct answer)
- Lactostasis
Correct answer: Engorgement
Engorgement is the painful swelling and tightening of breasts caused by increased blood flow and milk accumulation, typically in early postpartum.
Question 5: The myoepithelial cells surrounding alveoli are stimulated by oxytocin to perform which action?
- Synthesize milk proteins
- Contract and eject milk (Correct answer)
- Absorb excess lactose
- Produce prolactin receptors
Correct answer: Contract and eject milk
Myoepithelial cells contract in response to oxytocin, squeezing alveoli and forcing milk into the ducts — this is the milk ejection reflex.
Question 6: What does the medical abbreviation 'EBM' stand for in lactation contexts?
- Early Breast Milk
- Expressed Breast Milk (Correct answer)
- Estimated Breast Measurement
- Exclusive Breastfeeding Method
Correct answer: Expressed Breast Milk
EBM stands for Expressed Breast Milk, referring to milk that has been removed from the breast by hand expression or pump.
Question 7: The term 'ductal ectasia' in breast pathology refers to:
- Milk duct infection
- Dilation or widening of the milk ducts (Correct answer)
- Formation of new milk ducts
- Blockage of the lactiferous sinus
Correct answer: Dilation or widening of the milk ducts
Ductal ectasia is the abnormal dilation of the breast ducts, often associated with periductal inflammation and nipple discharge.
CBS Medical Terminology & Anatomy 3
Which layer of the breast contains the adipose tissue that gives the breast its shape and size?