IBLCE Anatomy and Physiology of Lactation 3

Question 1

A mother reports that her milk supply seems lower on stressful days. This is most likely because stress hormones such as adrenaline (epinephrine) interfere with:

Accepted Answer

Oxytocin release and the milk ejection reflex

Answer

Prolactin synthesis

Answer

Alveolar cell differentiation

Answer

FIL breakdown

Question 2

Hind milk differs from fore milk primarily in that it has:

Accepted Answer

Higher fat content

Answer

Higher protein content

Answer

Lower lactose concentration

Answer

More secretory IgA

Question 3

Which sensory nerve pathway is primarily responsible for transmitting the suckling stimulus to the hypothalamus to trigger prolactin and oxytocin release?

Accepted Answer

Intercostal nerves T4–T6

Answer

Vagus nerve (CN X)

Answer

Pudendal nerve

Answer

Phrenic nerve

Question 4

Inverted nipples may interfere with latch because they involve:

Accepted Answer

Fibrotic bands tethering the nipple inward

Answer

Reduced prolactin receptor density

Answer

Absence of Montgomery glands

Answer

Insufficient alveolar tissue development

Question 5

Breast fullness (engorgement) that persists without adequate milk removal can lead to a decrease in supply due to:

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of FIL and pressure-induced inhibition of secretion

Answer

Increased prolactin binding

Answer

Ductal spasm

Answer

Reduced oxytocin sensitivity

Question 6

In a mother with insufficient glandular tissue (IGT), the primary underlying issue affecting milk production is:

Accepted Answer

Inadequate number of milk-producing alveolar cells

Answer

Low oxytocin receptor density

Answer

Elevated progesterone postpartum

Answer

Poor nipple protractility

Question 7

The 'draught' or 'let-down' reflex can be conditioned over time so that it is triggered by:

Accepted Answer

Sensory cues such as hearing the baby cry or thinking about nursing

Answer

High circulating progesterone

Answer

Increased dietary fat intake

Answer

Rising cortisol at waking