Physiology of lactation: Nursing

How many lobes are present in the breasts?

12 to 20 lobes.

What accumulates in the lactiferous sinus?

A small drop of milk.

What does prolactin promote?

Development of breast tissue and lactiferous ducts.

What are mammary glands responsible for?

Lactation in those assigned female at birth.

What connects the alveoli, lobules, and lobes?

Lactiferous ducts.

What is the dilated portion of the lactiferous duct called?

Lactiferous sinus.

What happens when breast stimulation decreases?

Milk accumulation and edematous, hard, and tender breasts.

What is the milk ejection reflex also known as?

Milk let down reflex.

What does prolactin stimulate?

Milk production.

What is the initial composition of mature milk?

More water.

What does the inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis during breastfeeding prevent?

Ovulation and menstruation.

What hormone stimulates milk ejection?

Oxytocin.

What is engorgement?

Painful swelling of the breasts.

What does lactation refer to?

Period of time during which the mother is breastfeeding.

What are some causes of insufficient milk supply?

Preterm delivery, ineffective infant suckling, infrequent or short feedings, and maternal fatigue.

What is lactation?

Process of milk production and secretion from the breasts.

What hormones are released during pregnancy?

Progesterone, estrogen, and human placental lactogen.

Which hormones are released by the placenta during pregnancy?

Progesterone, estrogen, and human placental lactogen.

What hormones are released from the pituitary gland in response to nipple stimulation?

Prolactin and oxytocin.

What hormone stimulates milk production after delivery?

Prolactin.

Which hormone is released by the pituitary gland during pregnancy?

Prolactin.

What is the role of prolactin in lactation?

Stimulates continued milk production.

What is the role of oxytocin in lactation?

Stimulates contraction of smooth muscle cells around the ducts.

What is breast engorgement?

Swelling and discomfort of the breasts due to increased blood flow and milk production.

What happens to the level of progesterone and estrogen after the placenta is removed?

They decrease.

What are the characteristics of colostrum?

Thick, yellowish fluid rich in immune cells, antibodies, and high in protein.

What is the function of lactiferous ducts?

To drain the milk produced during lactation.

What type of milk is produced 2 to 5 days after birth?

Transitional milk.

How can mastitis be treated?

Warm packs, frequent breastfeeding or pumping, rest, increased fluids, and antibiotics.

What causes breast engorgement?

Decreased frequency of feedings.

When does the production of mature milk start?

After about 2 weeks.

When does lactation end?

After weaning the child.

What is colostrum?

An early version of breast milk produced during pregnancy.

What causes the involution of the breasts after lactation ends?

Decreased lactogenic hormones and cellular death.

What are the clinical manifestations of mastitis?

Breast pain, fever, body aching, and malaise.

What maintains milk secretion after birth?

Continuous stimulation of the nipple by the breastfeeding infant.

What causes milk secretion from the nipples?

Contraction of smooth muscle cells around the ducts.

What does oxytocin stimulate?

Contraction of smooth muscle cells around the ducts.

When is the milk expelled from the areola?

During feeding when the areola is compressed.

How can breast engorgement be minimized?

Feeding the infant frequently, at least every 2-3 hours.

What effect does breast engorgement have on nipple shape?

Flattening, making it harder for the infant to grasp.

What do the lobules contain?

Grape-like clusters of alveoli.

What is the composition of transitional milk?

Higher in fat and lactulose, but contains fewer antibodies.

What does prolactin secretion during breastfeeding inhibit?

Hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.

What is mastitis?

Inflammation of the breast tissue, often caused by bacterial infection.

What is the role of progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy?

Inhibit significant milk production to prevent wasting milk before the baby is born.

What can cause mastitis?

Injury to the nipple, areola, or breast skin.

What are some common issues of lactation?

Insufficient milk supply, breast engorgement, and mastitis.

What happens to the fat content of mature milk over time?

It increases.

What do the alveoli contain?

Mammary secretory epithelial cells.

What can breast engorgement progress to?

Mastitis, inflammation of the breast.