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

Lactocytes, also called alveolar epithelial cells, are the specialized secretory cells lining the alveoli that synthesize and secrete milk components.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Prolactin

Answer

Prolactin, secreted by the anterior pituitary gland in response to suckling, is the primary hormone driving ongoing milk synthesis.

Question 3

What is the primary physiologic role of oxytocin in breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Triggering the milk ejection (let-down) reflex

Answer

Oxytocin, released from the posterior pituitary, causes myoepithelial cells surrounding alveoli to contract, propelling milk through the ducts in what is called the milk ejection reflex.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Progesterone

Answer

High progesterone levels during pregnancy block prolactin receptor activity on lactocytes, inhibiting copious milk secretion despite rising prolactin.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Lactiferous ducts

Answer

Lactiferous ducts form a branching network that collects milk from the alveolar lobules and channels it to the nipple pores for delivery to the infant.

Certified Lactation Specialist Practice Test

Certified Lactation Specialist Practice Test

Certified Lactation Specialist Lactation Specialist Anatomy & Physiology of Lactation