Certified Lactation Specialist Lactation Specialist Anatomy & Physiology of Lactation 3

Question 1

The primary sensory innervation of the nipple-areola complex that initiates the neuroendocrine reflex arc of lactation is provided by:

Accepted Answer

The fourth intercostal nerve

Answer

The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X)

Answer

The brachial plexus

Answer

The phrenic nerve

Question 2

Which immunoglobulin is the predominant antibody in human breast milk?

Accepted Answer

Secretory IgA (sIgA)

Answer

IgG

Answer

IgE

Answer

IgM

Question 3

Prolactin levels following a nursing session peak at approximately what time?

Accepted Answer

30-45 minutes after nursing begins

Answer

Immediately at the start of suckling

Answer

5-10 minutes after nursing begins

Answer

1-2 hours after the feeding ends

Question 4

What is the primary carbohydrate found in human breast milk?

Accepted Answer

Lactose

Answer

Sucrose

Answer

Fructose

Answer

Glucose

Question 5

Which of the following represents a LOCAL autocrine mechanism that regulates milk production at the breast level?

Accepted Answer

Feedback Inhibitor of Lactation (FIL) accumulation in retained milk

Answer

Dopamine release from the hypothalamus

Answer

Prolactin receptor downregulation in the anterior pituitary

Answer

Rising estrogen levels during the luteal phase

Question 6

The physiologic milk ejection reflex is primarily triggered by afferent nerve signals from:

Accepted Answer

Mechanoreceptors in the nipple-areola complex stimulated by suckling

Answer

The infant's cry heard by the mother

Answer

Visual recognition of the infant by the mother

Answer

Olfactory signals from the infant's head

Question 7

How does the fat content of breast milk change during a single feeding session?

Accepted Answer

Fat content progressively increases during the feeding, with hindmilk containing 2-3 times more fat than foremilk

Answer

Fat content remains constant throughout the entire feeding

Answer

Fat content is highest at the beginning of the feeding (foremilk) and lowest at the end

Answer

Fat content varies randomly with no predictable intra-feeding pattern