Certified Lactation Specialist Lactation Specialist Anatomy & Physiology of Lactation 2

Question 1

What is the primary function of the Montgomery glands (tubercles) on the areola?

Accepted Answer

Producing sebaceous secretions that lubricate and protect the nipple-areola complex

Answer

Direct secretion of milk to supplement nipple output

Answer

Detecting suckling pressure and signaling prolactin release

Answer

Releasing oxytocin locally during breastfeeding

Question 2

Which cells surround the alveoli and contract to expel milk into the ducts during let-down?

Accepted Answer

Myoepithelial cells

Answer

Lactocytes

Answer

Plasma cells

Answer

Dendritic cells

Question 3

The Feedback Inhibitor of Lactation (FIL) is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A whey protein in milk that locally suppresses milk synthesis when milk accumulates in the breast

Answer

A pituitary hormone that lowers prolactin when the infant is not nursing

Answer

A hypothalamic peptide that reduces oxytocin release during stress

Answer

An enzyme that degrades prolactin receptors on lactocytes

Question 4

Prolactin is secreted by which endocrine structure?

Accepted Answer

Anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis)

Answer

Posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis)

Answer

Hypothalamus

Answer

Adrenal cortex

Question 5

How does colostrum differ most significantly from mature breast milk?

Accepted Answer

Colostrum contains higher concentrations of immunoglobulins (especially sIgA) and is produced in smaller volumes

Answer

Colostrum has a much higher fat content than mature milk

Answer

Colostrum lacks lactose and protein compared to mature milk

Answer

Colostrum is produced by a different population of cells than mature milk

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the alveoli of the lactating breast?

Accepted Answer

Grape-like clusters of secretory lactocytes surrounded by myoepithelial cells that produce and temporarily store milk

Answer

Cartilage-lined chambers that act as milk reservoirs between feedings

Answer

Fibrous ligaments that provide structural support to the breast

Answer

Lymphatic channels that drain immune cells into the milk

Question 7

Lactogenesis I (mammogenesis differentiation phase) begins at approximately what point?

Accepted Answer

Mid-pregnancy around 16-22 weeks gestation

Answer

At the moment of placental delivery

Answer

During the first infant feeding after birth

Answer

At the onset of the third trimester