Breastfeeding- Anatomy And Functionality

Question 1

Name 3 changes that occur to the breasts during PUBERTY.

Answer 1

1. Mammary glands begin to develop
2. Oestrogen and Progesterone levels increase resulting in glandular and ductile growth
3. Areola enlarges and darkens

Question 2

Name 3 changes that occur to the breasts during PREGNANCY.

Answer 2

1. Colostrum begins to develop at around 16-20 weeks
2. Alveolus complete their development
3. Breasts increase in size due to hormonal increase

Question 3

Anatomically, where are the breasts located?

Answer 3

Over the anterior chest wall, extending from the 2nd to the 6th rib. The breasts lie over the pectoral major muscles.

Question 4

Name the three layers of tissue which make up the structure of the breasts.

Answer 4

Glandular tissue, fatty tissue, fibrous connective tissue.

Question 5

What is the main function of lactocytes?

Answer 5

Lactocytes are the milk secreting cells within the breasts.

Question 6

What is the function of prolactin and where is it produced?

Answer 6

Produced in the anterior pituitary gland, prolactin is a hormone which initiates and maintains milk production.

Question 7

What is the function of oxytocin and where is it produced?

Answer 7

Produced within the posterior pituitary glands, oxytocin causes contractions of the myoepithelial cells and dilates the milk ducts, triggering the let down reflex.

Question 8

What does FIL stand for and what does it do?

Answer 8

Feedback inhibitor of lactation.
If milk is not removed from the breasts via breastfeeding or hand expressing, FIL builds up and inhibits milk production.