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 fourth intercostal nerve provides the primary sensory innervation to the nipple-areola complex; stimulation during suckling sends afferent signals to the hypothalamus to trigger oxytocin and prolactin release.

Question 2

Which immunoglobulin is the predominant antibody in human breast milk?

Accepted Answer

Secretory IgA (sIgA)

Answer

Secretory IgA is the dominant immunoglobulin in human milk; its secretory component protects it from digestive degradation, allowing it to coat the infant's mucosal surfaces.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

30-45 minutes after nursing begins

Answer

Suckling triggers a prolactin surge that peaks approximately 30-45 minutes after nursing begins, effectively stimulating milk synthesis for the next feeding.

Question 4

What is the primary carbohydrate found in human breast milk?

Accepted Answer

Lactose

Answer

Lactose is the primary carbohydrate in human milk, synthesized in the alveoli by lactose synthase; it also drives osmotic water flow into milk, regulating milk volume.

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

FIL is a locally acting whey protein present in milk that inhibits lactocyte secretory activity when milk is not removed, providing supply-and-demand regulation independent of systemic hormones.

Certified Lactation Specialist Practice Test

Certified Lactation Specialist Practice Test

Certified Lactation Specialist Lactation Specialist Anatomy & Physiology of Lactation 3