Lactation MCQ Quiz | Reproduction

Welcome to the Lactation MCQ Quiz, specifically designed for MBBS students to test and reinforce their understanding of the physiological processes of milk production, secretion, and ejection. This quiz covers essential topics including hormonal regulation by prolactin and oxytocin, the composition of colostrum and mature milk, the neuroendocrine reflexes involved, and key clinical correlations. It’s a great tool for self-assessment and exam preparation. After completing the 25 questions, you can submit your answers to see your score and review the correct responses. For your convenience, you can also download a PDF copy of all the questions along with their correct answers to aid in your future studies. Good luck!

1. Which hormone is primarily responsible for the synthesis of milk (galactopoiesis) in the mammary glands?

2. The “let-down” or milk ejection reflex is mediated by the action of which hormone on the myoepithelial cells?

3. During pregnancy, high levels of which hormone(s) inhibit the lactogenic effect of prolactin on the breast?

4. Colostrum, the first milk produced postpartum, is characterized by high concentrations of:

5. Prolactin is secreted from the __________ and its release is tonically inhibited by __________.

6. The primary stimulus for the continued secretion of both prolactin and oxytocin during lactation is:

7. Which is the predominant carbohydrate in human milk, providing a major energy source for the infant?

8. The whey-to-casein protein ratio in mature human milk is approximately:

9. Lactational amenorrhea is a temporary period of infertility postpartum, primarily caused by:

10. A drug that acts as a dopamine antagonist (e.g., metoclopramide) would be expected to have what effect on lactation?

11. Oxytocin is synthesized in the hypothalamus and released from which structure?

12. Which immunoglobulin provides the primary passive immunity to the infant’s gastrointestinal tract via breast milk?

13. “Witch’s milk” refers to:

14. Which two nutrients may need to be supplemented in exclusively breastfed infants after 4-6 months of age?

15. The approximate energy content of mature human milk is:

16. The complete absence of milk secretion is termed:

17. Which component of breast milk promotes the growth of beneficial gut flora like Lactobacillus bifidus?

18. Colostrum is particularly rich in which vitamin, crucial for vision and immune function?

19. The suckling reflex involves afferent signals traveling via the intercostal nerves to the:

20. Which of the following describes the change in milk composition from colostrum to mature milk?

21. Prolactin’s action on the mammary alveolar cells is to:

22. Sheehan’s syndrome can cause lactation failure due to:

23. Besides suckling, which other stimulus can trigger oxytocin release and milk let-down?

24. What is the role of human placental lactogen (hPL) during pregnancy?

25. A mother reports severe pain and anxiety during breastfeeding, which inhibits her milk let-down reflex. This inhibition is most likely due to: