Female Reproductive System

Question 1

Describe the changes in the breast during: puberty, menstrual cycle and pregnancy

Answer 1

Breast development occurs under the influence of sex hormones, particularly oestrogen and progesterone
The first onset of breast development typically occurs between 8 and 13 years
Ductal development and branching, and lobular development occurs
In pregnancy glandular development occurs under the influence of progesterone
Ductal development occurs due to oestrogen
Colostrum is synthesise, but lactation is suppressed under the influence of placental hormones

Question 2

Describe the structure and function of each part of the breast and discuss the physiology of lactation

Answer 2

Each breast is composed of varying proportions of fat and glandular tissue, separated by connective tissue, into lobes
Each lobe is subdivided into lobules
Lobules consist of alveoli and ducts

Question 3

List the constituents of breast milk and thier relevance to the neonate

Answer 3

Breastfeeding is a natural form of protection against a range of illnesses e.g. infection, diabetes, heart diseases ect
The constituents of human breast milk change dependent on when the baby is born, its age, and the environment it lives in
It has live microbes, which are essential in colonising the baby with healthy bacteria
Transfer of immunoglobulins to support baby’s immune system:
- IgM: increases responsiveness to vaccination
-IgA: first line of defence against pathogens, coats gut wall, protection against e.g. E.coli
-IgD: combats disease without causing infection
-IgG: passive immunity
-IgE: small quantities in breastmilk for a longer period than in cow’s

Question 4

With reference to anatomy, describe the physiology of lactation

Answer 4

Prolactin orders milk, it is released form posterior pituitary. It is produced in pregnancy but milk production is suppressed by placental hormones
Once placental is birthed, placental hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) levels drop
Prolactin is released when baby suckles
Prolactin receptor sites open when placental is delivered
Surges prime sites to begin milk production
Skin contact and lots of feeds in early days increase potential for long term milk production