Certified Lactation Specialist Lactation Specialist Anatomy & Physiology of Lactation

Question 1

What are the primary milk-producing secretory cells in the breast alveoli called?

Accepted Answer

Lactocytes (alveolar epithelial cells)

Answer

Myoepithelial cells

Answer

Ductal epithelial cells

Answer

Stromal fibroblasts

Question 2

Which hormone is primarily responsible for driving milk synthesis (galactopoiesis) during established lactation?

Accepted Answer

Prolactin

Answer

Estrogen

Answer

Progesterone

Answer

Oxytocin

Question 3

What is the primary physiologic role of oxytocin in breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Triggering the milk ejection (let-down) reflex

Answer

Stimulating milk synthesis in the alveoli

Answer

Increasing prolactin secretion from the pituitary

Answer

Suppressing progesterone post-delivery

Question 4

During pregnancy, full milk production is suppressed primarily by elevated levels of which hormone?

Accepted Answer

Progesterone

Answer

Prolactin

Answer

Cortisol

Answer

Human placental lactogen

Question 5

Which structures transport milk from the alveoli toward the nipple openings?

Accepted Answer

Lactiferous ducts

Answer

Cooper's ligaments

Answer

Montgomery glands

Answer

Retromammary space

Question 6

Which of the following can inhibit the milk ejection (let-down) reflex?

Accepted Answer

Stress and elevated catecholamine levels

Answer

Frequent infant suckling

Answer

Warm compresses applied to the breast

Answer

Infant skin-to-skin contact

Question 7

Which phase of lactogenesis refers specifically to the onset of copious milk secretion after delivery?

Accepted Answer

Lactogenesis II

Answer

Lactogenesis I

Answer

Lactogenesis III

Answer

Galactorrhea phase