Human Breast Anatomy and Physiology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What anatomical feature surrounds the nipple?

Lactiferous ducts

The hypothalamus

The areola (correct)

Montgomery tubercles

Which function do Montgomery tubercles serve during pregnancy?

Branching of ducts

Providing lubrication (correct)

Milk production

Sensory nerve input

What did the recent study reveal about the branching of ducts in the lactating human breast?

No branching occurs in lactating breasts

Ducts branch closer to the nipple (correct)

Ducts branch at the base of the breast

Ducts become wider further from the nipple

What physiological response occurs due to suckling?

Influx of afferent nerve impulses to the hypothalamus Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of breast anatomy was investigated using ultrasound in the recent study?

Distribution of fatty and glandular tissue Signup and view all the answers

What has changed regarding the existence of lactiferous sinuses?

They do not exist. Signup and view all the answers

What is the distribution of glandular tissue relative to the nipple?

65% of glandular tissue is found within 30 mm of the nipple. Signup and view all the answers

How is the ductal network described in recent research?

It has a variable and non-symmetrical arrangement. Signup and view all the answers

How many ducts typically exit the nipple based on new findings?

4-18 ducts, averaging 9. Signup and view all the answers

What do the clusters of alveoli in the breast consist of?

Glandular tissue. Signup and view all the answers

What is the average number of ducts exiting the nipple?

9 ducts. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of fatty tissue surrounds the mammary glands?

Retromammary fat. Signup and view all the answers

The concept of conventional lactiferous sinuses is considered to be?

An outdated model. Signup and view all the answers

What hormone enables the biosynthetic development of acini cells during pregnancy?

Prolactin Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures in the breast is primarily responsible for milk production?

Alveoli Signup and view all the answers

What changes occur to the areola during pregnancy?

It may become wider and darker Signup and view all the answers

How many lobules does each lobe of the human breast typically consist of?

20-40 lobules Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily responsible for the proliferation and enlargement of alveoli during pregnancy?

Oestrogen Signup and view all the answers

What are Montgomery glands responsible for during lactation?

Protecting the nipple during feeding Signup and view all the answers

During lactation, what physiological change enhances the blood supply to the breast?

Increased vascularity Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the breast is primarily altered in size and appearance during pregnancy?

Lobules Signup and view all the answers

What feature on the surface of the nipple helps in protecting it during infant feeding?

Montgomery glands secretions Signup and view all the answers

Breasts may experience which of the following changes during pregnancy?

Skin becoming more thin and veiny Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Breast Anatomy

The female breast is composed of macro and micro anatomy
Learning outcomes involve understanding the macro and micro anatomy of the female breast
Understanding how breast anatomy relates to lactation (milk production)

Mammalian Features

Mammals produce milk
Mammals have hair or fur
Mammals have a unique jaw structure
Mammals are warm-blooded

Macro Anatomy of the Breast

The breast is located on the chest wall
It's supported by connective tissue (e.g., Cooper's ligaments)
It includes fatty tissue
It includes fibrous tissue
It contains axillary lymph nodes
It contains lobules (mammary glands)
It contains ducts
It has an areola, and nipple

Micro Anatomy of the Breast (Alveoli)

The breast lobules contain alveoli.
Alveoli are clusters of milk-producing glands (a.k.a. acini cells)
The alveoli are composed of a single layer of milk-producing lactocytes (secretory epithelium).
Hormones (progesterone, estrogen, and human placental lactogen (HPL)) cause alveoli to proliferate and enlarge during pregnancy.

Changes During Pregnancy

Areola often widens and darkens.
Montgomery glands become more prominent, secreting lubricating substances
Nipples often enlarge, darkening and becoming more prominent.
Breast size increases, and breasts become fuller.
Skin around the breast may become thinner and veiny.
Some breasts may leak colostrum

Recent Anatomical Research

Recent ultrasound studies revised the previously-held understanding of breast anatomy.
Ducts branch closer to the nipple
Conventionally described lactiferous sinuses do not exist.
Glandular tissue is found closer to the nipple.
The ductal network is not always radial or symmetrical.
Fewer ducts exit the nipple than previously thought (average 9).

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Description

Test your knowledge on the anatomical features and physiological functions of the human breast. This quiz covers aspects such as Montgomery tubercles, duct branching during lactation, and the physiological responses to suckling. See how well you understand the intricate details of breast anatomy.