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

Epinephrine causes vasoconstriction and antagonizes oxytocin action at the myoepithelial cells, inhibiting let-down even when milk is present in the alveoli.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Higher fat content

Answer

Fat content increases progressively as the breast is drained during a feeding; hind milk (milk released later in a feed) has significantly more fat than fore milk drawn at the start.

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

Sensory afferents carried by intercostal nerves T4–T6 innervate the nipple-areolar complex and relay suckling signals to the hypothalamus, triggering neurohormonal responses.

Question 4

Inverted nipples may interfere with latch because they involve:

Accepted Answer

Fibrotic bands tethering the nipple inward

Answer

Inverted nipples are caused by shortened or fibrotic connective tissue bands that retract the nipple inward, preventing adequate protrusion for the infant to latch effectively.

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

When milk is not removed, FIL accumulates and intramammary pressure rises, both of which locally downregulate milk synthesis to prevent alveolar damage.

IBLCE - International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners Practice Test

IBLCE - International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners Practice Test

IBLCE Anatomy and Physiology of Lactation 3