Anatomy Of The Breast and physiology of lactation

Question 1

Describe the anatomical position of the breast

Answer 1

Between the 2nd and 6th rib of the thorax

Question 2

Describe the basic anatomy of the breast

Answer 2

Composed of fat and glandular tissue separated into lobes
Lobes then lobules then alveoli and ducts

Question 3

Describe lobes

Answer 3

Around 4-18 lobes in each breast
Composed of glandular tissue
Divided by connective tissue and adipose layer

Question 4

Describe lobules

Answer 4

Subdivision of lobes
Consists of alveoli and lactiferous ducts

Question 5

describe alveoli of the breasts

Answer 5

contain acini cells which are responsible for secreting milk
lymphocytes or monocytes are wedged between the acini cells
responsible for local production of antibodies
and form immunoglobin A
for secretion of breast milk

Question 6

describe the initiation of lactation

Answer 6

when baby suckles
prolactin released from anterior pituitary gland
it activates milk production in the acini cells

Question 7

describe the role of oxytocin

Answer 7

works on myo-epithelial cells to expel milk
invokes feelings of love and protectiveness
stimulated by nurture and touch

Question 8

describe the milk ejection reflex

Answer 8

baby suckles
sensory impulse sent to brain
oxytocin secreted from posterior pituitary gland
myo-epithelial cells contract and expel milk

Question 9

describe the role of feedback inhibitor of lactation (FIL)

Answer 9

FIL secreted as a part of milk
build up of FIL blocks milk production
removing FIL allows milk production