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Question 1Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

Which hormone directly stimulates contraction of myoepithelial cells surrounding the alveoli, producing milk ejection?

  1. Progesterone
  2. Oxytocin Correct answer.
  3. Estrogen
  4. Prolactin

Explanation

Oxytocin is released from the posterior pituitary in response to nipple stimulation and binds myoepithelial cells, causing them to contract and propel milk. Prolactin supports milk synthesis rather than ejection, while progesterone and estrogen are reproductive steroids.

Question 2Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

Which hormone is the principal stimulator of milk protein synthesis in mammary alveolar cells?

  1. Prolactin Correct answer.
  2. Cortisol
  3. Human placental lactogen
  4. Oxytocin

Explanation

Prolactin from the anterior pituitary binds alveolar receptors and activates transcription of milk protein genes, including caseins. Oxytocin mediates ejection, cortisol has permissive effects, and human placental lactogen mainly supports mammary growth during pregnancy.

Question 3Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

The shift from colostrum to copious mature milk secretion, usually occurring between 2 and 5 days postpartum, is termed:

  1. Galactopoiesis
  2. Lactogenesis I
  3. Lactogenesis II Correct answer.
  4. Mammary involution

Explanation

Lactogenesis I is secretory differentiation during pregnancy, whereas lactogenesis II is secretory activation with copious milk secretion after delivery. Galactopoiesis is the maintenance of established lactation, and involution is glandular regression.

Question 4Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

The milk-producing sac-like structures of the mammary gland are called:

  1. Alveoli Correct answer.
  2. Myoepithelial cells
  3. Lactiferous sinuses
  4. Montgomery glands

Explanation

Alveoli are lined with secretory epithelial cells and surrounded by myoepithelial cells, and they cluster into lobules. Lactiferous sinuses store milk, myoepithelial cells contract, and Montgomery glands are areolar glands.

Question 5Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

Compared with mature milk, colostrum is especially rich in which component?

  1. Secretory immunoglobulin A Correct answer.
  2. Lactose
  3. Fat
  4. Total casein

Explanation

Colostrum contains high concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin A, which provides mucosal protection to the infant. It is lower in lactose, fat, and total casein than mature milk.

Question 6Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

After delivery of the placenta, the fall of which hormone is a key trigger for secretory activation (lactogenesis II)?

  1. Estrogen
  2. Oxytocin
  3. Progesterone Correct answer.
  4. Human placental lactogen

Explanation

High progesterone during pregnancy suppresses full milk secretion. Placental delivery causes progesterone withdrawal, releasing the brake on prolactin-driven lactogenesis II. Estrogen and human placental lactogen also fall, but progesterone withdrawal is the key trigger.

Question 7Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

Once lactation is established, milk production within each breast is regulated mainly by:

  1. Oxytocin pulses
  2. A feedback inhibitor in milk Correct answer.
  3. Circulating prolactin levels
  4. Maternal estrogen

Explanation

Local autocrine control by a feedback inhibitor of lactation in milk matches production to removal. Frequent emptying reduces the inhibitor and increases synthesis. Prolactin is galactopoietic but does not explain breast-specific responses to emptying.

Question 8Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

Acute stress or pain during breastfeeding can reduce milk ejection primarily by increasing:

  1. Oxytocin
  2. Progesterone
  3. Prolactin
  4. Adrenaline Correct answer.

Explanation

Adrenaline from sympathetic activation can inhibit oxytocin release and reduce myoepithelial contraction. Reducing stress and pain supports the milk ejection reflex. Prolactin and oxytocin are not increased in this context.

Question 9Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

Prolactin secretion by the anterior pituitary is tonically inhibited by which hypothalamic factor?

  1. Oxytocin
  2. Serotonin
  3. Dopamine Correct answer.
  4. Progesterone

Explanation

Dopamine from tuberoinfundibular neurons acts on D2 receptors to suppress prolactin release, so removing this inhibition raises prolactin. This is why dopamine agonists lower prolactin concentrations.

Question 10Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

Sensory nerve impulses from the nipple and areola that trigger prolactin and oxytocin release travel mainly through which spinal nerve roots?

  1. T7-T9
  2. T1-T3
  3. L1-L2
  4. T4-T6 Correct answer.

Explanation

Afferent fibers from the breast enter the spinal cord mainly via the fourth to sixth intercostal nerves (T4-T6) and ascend to the hypothalamus. Other levels do not carry the main sensory supply from the breast.

Question 11Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

Human placental lactogen contributes to lactation physiology primarily by:

  1. Causing alveolar involution
  2. Promoting mammary growth and maternal insulin resistance Correct answer.
  3. Triggering milk ejection
  4. Increasing lactose in colostrum

Explanation

Human placental lactogen supports mammary development during pregnancy and induces maternal insulin resistance, sparing glucose for the fetus. It does not mediate milk ejection or alveolar involution.

Question 12Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

At puberty, estrogen's main effect on mammary gland development is to:

  1. Cause lobular involution
  2. Stimulate alveolar milk protein synthesis
  3. Induce myoepithelial contraction
  4. Promote ductal elongation and branching Correct answer.

Explanation

Estrogen drives ductal growth and branching, while progesterone with estrogen supports lobuloalveolar development. Full alveolar differentiation and milk protein synthesis occur mainly in pregnancy under prolactin and placental hormones.

Question 13Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

Oxytocin receptor expression in mammary tissue rises markedly near term largely because of:

  1. Prolactin
  2. Estrogen Correct answer.
  3. Progesterone
  4. Human placental lactogen

Explanation

Estrogen upregulates oxytocin receptors in breast tissue near parturition, increasing responsiveness to oxytocin. Progesterone tends to oppose secretory activation and falls at delivery.

Question 14Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

In a lactating person, serum prolactin concentrations are typically highest:

  1. Late afternoon
  2. During sleep at night Correct answer.
  3. Immediately after a high-carbohydrate meal
  4. Mid-morning

Explanation

Prolactin has a circadian rhythm with nocturnal sleep-associated peaks, and suckling causes acute pulses. This rhythm helps explain why nighttime feeding supports sustained prolactin exposure.

Question 15Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

Lactose is synthesized in mammary secretory cells by which reaction?

  1. Galactose plus galactose via galactokinase
  2. Glucose plus fructose via sucrase
  3. Glucose plus galactose via lactose synthase Correct answer.
  4. Glucose plus glucose via amylase

Explanation

Lactose synthase in the Golgi combines glucose and galactose derived from UDP-galactose to form lactose. Lactose draws water into milk and is a marker of secretory activation.

Question 16Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

Montgomery glands in the areola primarily:

  1. Produce oxytocin
  2. Contract to expel milk
  3. Secrete a lubricating and olfactory fluid Correct answer.
  4. Store milk before ejection

Explanation

Montgomery glands are sebaceous-like glands that secrete fluid to lubricate and protect the areola and may aid infant olfactory recognition. They do not store milk or produce oxytocin.

Question 17Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

The milk ejection reflex can become conditioned, meaning that:

  1. It disappears after 6 weeks
  2. It can be triggered by an infant cry or anticipation Correct answer.
  3. It occurs only with direct nipple stimulation
  4. It is independent of oxytocin

Explanation

Conditioned release means sensory cues such as an infant cry or thinking about the baby can trigger oxytocin release and milk ejection. The reflex still requires oxytocin and does not disappear on a fixed schedule.

Question 18Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

Cabergoline, a dopamine agonist, suppresses lactation by:

  1. Increasing progesterone
  2. Blocking oxytocin receptors
  3. Reducing prolactin secretion Correct answer.
  4. Destroying alveolar cells

Explanation

Dopamine agonists activate D2 receptors and inhibit prolactin release from the anterior pituitary. They do not block oxytocin receptors or destroy alveolar tissue.

Question 19Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

Secretory immunoglobulin A in human milk is produced mainly by:

  1. Alveolar epithelial cells
  2. Bacteria swallowed by the infant
  3. Liver hepatocytes
  4. Plasma cells that migrate to breast tissue Correct answer.

Explanation

IgA-secreting plasma cells home to mammary tissue through the entero-mammary pathway, and epithelial cells transport the antibody into milk. This provides passive mucosal immunity to the infant.

Question 20Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

During a breastfeeding session, oxytocin is typically released:

  1. As a single burst only at the start
  2. In multiple pulsatile bursts Correct answer.
  3. Continuously at a constant rate
  4. Only after the infant finishes feeding

Explanation

Oxytocin is secreted in pulsatile bursts, often several times per feed, producing multiple milk ejections. This is why milk flow can come in waves rather than at a constant rate.

Question 21Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

Closure of tight junctions between mammary alveolar cells during lactogenesis II is important because it:

  1. Stimulates myoepithelial contraction
  2. Increases progesterone uptake by alveoli
  3. Prevents paracellular leakage of lactose and ions into plasma Correct answer.
  4. Allows prolactin to enter milk

Explanation

Secretory activation closes tight junctions and switches the gland from paracellular to transcellular transport, retaining lactose and ions in milk rather than allowing leakage into blood. This is one reason serum lactose can fall after delivery.

Question 22Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

The principal mechanism by which progesterone restrains lactogenesis II during pregnancy is:

  1. Blocking oxytocin receptors
  2. Destroying alveolar cells
  3. Antagonizing prolactin signaling and alveolar secretory activation Correct answer.
  4. Reducing maternal cortisol

Explanation

Progesterone receptor signaling opposes prolactin-driven STAT5 activation and secretory differentiation, keeping milk secretion restrained during pregnancy. Its withdrawal at delivery permits lactogenesis II.

Question 23Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

After weaning, the first phase of mammary involution is characterized by:

  1. Permanent loss of all lobules
  2. Continued copious milk synthesis
  3. Apoptosis and proteolytic remodeling that is initially reversible Correct answer.
  4. Immediate adipose replacement

Explanation

Involution begins with milk stasis, apoptosis of secretory cells, and protease-mediated remodeling; early changes can be reversed if suckling resumes. Adipose replacement occurs later in involution.

Question 24Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

Prolactin's lactogenic signal in alveolar cells is transduced mainly through which pathway?

  1. cAMP/PKA
  2. JAK2/STAT5 Correct answer.
  3. RhoA/ROCK
  4. IP3/DAG

Explanation

Prolactin receptor dimerization activates JAK2, which phosphorylates STAT5; STAT5 then translocates to the nucleus and drives milk protein gene expression. Other pathways mediate contraction or secretion rather than the main lactogenic signal.

Question 25Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

Oxytocin is synthesized in which neurons and transported to the posterior pituitary?

  1. Mammary alveolar cells
  2. Anterior pituitary lactotrophs
  3. Supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus Correct answer.
  4. Adrenal medulla

Explanation

Oxytocin and vasopressin are made in hypothalamic supraoptic and paraventricular neurons and released from posterior pituitary axon terminals. Oxytocin is not synthesized in the anterior pituitary.

Question 26Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

The paired mammary ridges (milk lines) from which the breast anlagen arise form along the embryonic ventral body wall at approximately what stage?

  1. During the twentieth to twenty-fourth week of gestation
  2. By the end of the first week of gestation
  3. During the final month of gestation
  4. During the fourth to fifth week of gestation Correct answer.

Explanation

The mammary ridges appear as bilateral epidermal thickenings along the milk line early in the first trimester, classically around the fourth to fifth week, and mammary buds then grow into the underlying mesenchyme. Most of the ridge regresses, leaving only the pectoral portion to form the breast. Subsequent canalization and lobule formation occur much later in gestation and continue after birth.

Question 27Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

Lactogenesis I, the stage at which the mammary gland first acquires the capacity to synthesize milk components, normally occurs at which time?

  1. At the first postpartum breastfeed
  2. At thelarche, before menarche
  3. Only after delivery of the placenta
  4. From about mid-pregnancy onward Correct answer.

Explanation

Secretory differentiation begins during pregnancy, when rising prolactin, cortisol and placental hormones drive alveolar cells to express milk protein genes; small amounts of colostrum-like secretion can be expressed by mid-to-late gestation. Full copious secretion requires the postpartum fall in progesterone. Therefore the capacity is gained before birth, not at it.

Question 28Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

Oxytocin causes milk to be propelled from the alveoli into the duct system by contracting which cells?

  1. Epithelial cells lining the lactiferous sinuses
  2. Smooth muscle fibers of the nipple
  3. Secretory epithelial cells lining the alveoli
  4. Myoepithelial cells surrounding the alveoli Correct answer.

Explanation

Oxytocin receptors on the basket-like myoepithelial cells that surround each alveolus mediate contraction, squeezing stored milk into the ducts. The secretory epithelial cells produce milk but do not contract. Nipple smooth muscle responds to mechanical and thermal stimuli to produce erection, not milk ejection.

Question 29Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

A woman with untreated adrenal insufficiency gives birth and has poor secretory activation despite frequent, effective suckling. Which deficit best explains her impaired lactogenesis II?

  1. Excessive dopaminergic suppression of prolactin
  2. Loss of the normal peripartum rise in cortisol Correct answer.
  3. Excess oxytocinase activity in the circulation
  4. Loss of placental lactogen after placental delivery

Explanation

Cortisol rises near term and acts permissively with prolactin to induce and maintain the milk protein genes needed for secretory activation. Without adequate cortisol, prolactin cannot fully drive lactogenesis II even when suckling stimuli are strong. Prolactin itself is not dependent on the adrenal axis for its release.

Question 30Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

The volume of milk a breast produces is most closely coupled to the synthesis of which milk component, because that component is the principal osmotically active solute in milk?

  1. Casein
  2. Lactose Correct answer.
  3. Calcium phosphate
  4. Fat

Explanation

Lactose is the major osmole of milk, so water is drawn into the alveolar lumen in proportion to the lactose synthesized. Milk volume therefore tracks lactose production closely. Fat is secreted in globules and is not osmotically active, and the protein and mineral fractions vary far less with volume.

Question 31Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

Within a single breastfeeding, how does the fat concentration of the milk normally change?

  1. It rises as the breast is emptied Correct answer.
  2. It stays essentially constant throughout the feed
  3. It rises only when the mother has recently eaten a high-fat meal
  4. It falls steadily as the breast is emptied

Explanation

Fat globules tend to be retained within the alveoli and ductal spaces between feeds, so milk released early in a feed is lower in fat and milk obtained later is higher. This within-feed gradient is a normal feature of mammary physiology. Maternal diet timing does not determine this pattern.

Question 32Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

Suckling-induced hyperprolactinemia suppresses ovarian activity during lactation mainly by which mechanism?

  1. Increasing hepatic clearance of progesterone
  2. Inhibiting hypothalamic GnRH pulse secretion Correct answer.
  3. Occupying estrogen receptors in the endometrium
  4. Directly blocking follicular response to FSH at the ovary

Explanation

High prolactin levels during frequent suckling reduce the pulsatile release of GnRH from the hypothalamus, which lowers LH and FSH secretion and suppresses follicular development. This central effect is the main basis of lactational amenorrhea. Ovarian and endometrial effects of prolactin are minor by comparison.

Question 33Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

During lactation, the large quantity of calcium secreted into milk is largely obtained through which adaptation?

  1. Mammary PTHrP secretion that mobilizes skeletal calcium Correct answer.
  2. Renal calcium conservation independent of skeletal turnover
  3. Deposition of additional mineral into the maternal skeleton
  4. Increased intestinal absorption driven by elevated maternal calcitriol

Explanation

The lactating mammary gland produces parathyroid hormone–related protein, which enters the circulation and stimulates bone resorption and renal calcium reabsorption, temporarily drawing on the maternal skeleton. This allows milk calcium to be maintained even when dietary intake is modest. Bone mineral is restored after weaning.

Question 34Development, Physiology and Endocrinology

How are milk fat globules released from mammary alveolar cells into the lumen?

  1. By diffusion through open tight junctions between cells
  2. By exocytosis of vesicles after fusion with the apical membrane
  3. By budding, enveloped in a layer of apical plasma membrane Correct answer.
  4. By active transport through membrane transporters

Explanation

Lipid droplets formed in the cytoplasm migrate to the apical surface and are pinched off encased in a coat of apical plasma membrane, forming the milk fat globule membrane. This is distinct from the exocytotic route used for most milk proteins. Tight junctions between alveolar cells are closed during established lactation, so they do not serve as a route for fat export.

Question 35Pathology

A breastfeeding parent at 3 weeks postpartum has a tender, red, wedge-shaped area on one breast, a temperature of 38.6°C, and flu-like symptoms. Which condition is most consistent with these findings?

  1. A plugged duct
  2. A galactocele
  3. Infectious mastitis Correct answer.
  4. Inflammatory breast cancer

Explanation

Fever, flu-like symptoms, and a wedge-shaped area of erythema and tenderness point to infectious mastitis. A plugged duct causes localized tenderness but typically no systemic fever. Galactoceles and inflammatory breast cancer do not usually present with acute fever and flu-like illness.

Question 36Pathology

Which finding most suggests engorgement rather than simple breast fullness in the early postpartum days?

  1. A single firm area persists after two feedings
  2. Bilateral burning pain that improves with warmth
  3. Breasts feel full but soften evenly during feeding
  4. Diffuse firmness with shiny skin and flattened nipples Correct answer.

Explanation

Engorgement involves diffuse vascular and lymphatic congestion with edema, producing firm, shiny, tender breasts and flattened nipples that make latching difficult. Simple fullness is relieved by feeding and does not cause marked edema or nipple flattening.

Question 37Pathology

A parent reports intensely painful nipples with burning that persists after latch, and the infant has white patches on the buccal mucosa. Which organism is most likely responsible?

  1. Staphylococcus aureus
  2. Candida albicans Correct answer.
  3. Streptococcus pyogenes
  4. Herpes simplex virus

Explanation

Burning nipple pain that persists after feeding together with white oral plaques is characteristic of candidiasis in the parent-infant dyad. Staphylococcus aureus more typically causes mastitis, streptococcus causes cellulitis, and herpes simplex causes vesicular lesions.

Question 38Pathology

A firm, tender, localized lump in one breast is found in a mother who has no fever and is otherwise well. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  1. A plugged duct Correct answer.
  2. A galactocele
  3. Inflammatory breast cancer
  4. An abscess

Explanation

A localized tender lump without systemic symptoms is most consistent with a plugged duct. An abscess usually produces fever and a fluctuant mass, a galactocele is a cystic milk retention lesion, and inflammatory breast cancer causes diffuse skin changes.

Question 39Pathology

Which finding is most characteristic of nipple vasospasm?

  1. Crusting fissures at the nipple base
  2. White-to-blue-to-red color change with burning after feeding Correct answer.
  3. Unilateral serosanguineous discharge
  4. Peau d'orange dimpling of the areola

Explanation

Vasospasm produces a triphasic color change from white to blue to red, often with burning pain after feeding or with cold exposure. It is related to vascular constriction rather than trauma, discharge, or malignancy.

Question 40Pathology

Which infant is at highest risk for neonatal hypoglycemia in the first 24 hours?

  1. An infant with physiologic jaundice
  2. An infant whose mother has anemia
  3. A post-term infant born at 42 weeks
  4. An infant of a mother with diabetes Correct answer.

Explanation

Maternal hyperglycemia leads to fetal hyperinsulinemia, and the newborn can develop hypoglycemia after the maternal glucose supply is interrupted. Post-term birth, maternal anemia, and physiologic jaundice are not classic risk factors for early neonatal hypoglycemia.

Question 41Pathology

Breastfeeding jaundice during the first week is most often related to which factor?

  1. Excess bilirubin conjugation
  2. Insufficient milk intake and dehydration Correct answer.
  3. Maternal ABO incompatibility
  4. High caloric intake

Explanation

Breastfeeding jaundice in the first week is associated with insufficient intake, dehydration, and delayed meconium clearance, which increase enterohepatic circulation of bilirubin. Hemolytic disease such as ABO incompatibility causes a different, pathologic pattern.

Question 42Pathology

A smooth, mobile, milk-filled mass that persists in a lactating woman is called what?

  1. Plugged duct
  2. Galactocele Correct answer.
  3. Breast abscess
  4. Fibroadenoma

Explanation

A galactocele is a milk-filled retention cyst that can persist during lactation or after weaning. It is smooth and mobile, unlike an abscess, which is inflammatory, or a fibroadenoma, which is a solid tumor.

Question 43Pathology

A lactating woman has a fluctuant, tender breast mass with overlying erythema and fever despite 48 hours of appropriate mastitis treatment. What is the most appropriate next step?

  1. Continue antibiotics and add cabbage leaves
  2. Stop breastfeeding on the affected side permanently
  3. Refer for ultrasound-guided aspiration or drainage Correct answer.
  4. Apply firm massage to the mass

Explanation

A fluctuant mass that persists despite antibiotics suggests a breast abscess, which requires ultrasound evaluation and drainage or aspiration in addition to antibiotics. Continuing antibiotics alone is inadequate, and firm massage may worsen inflammation.

Question 44Pathology

Which feature should raise concern for inflammatory breast cancer rather than mastitis?

  1. A tender wedge-shaped area of erythema
  2. Fever with flu-like symptoms and chills
  3. Persistent peau d'orange without fever Correct answer.
  4. Rapid improvement after 48 hours of antibiotics

Explanation

Inflammatory breast cancer can mimic mastitis but typically causes persistent diffuse skin changes, edema, and peau d'orange, often without fever, and does not improve with antibiotics. Mastitis usually improves within 48 hours of appropriate treatment.

Question 45Pathology

Which history is most consistent with insufficient glandular tissue?

  1. Rapid milk onset with abundant oversupply
  2. Tubular, widely spaced breasts Correct answer.
  3. Bilateral engorgement with effortless let-down
  4. Previous breast reduction with normal lactation

Explanation

Insufficient glandular tissue is associated with tubular or hypoplastic breasts, wide spacing, minimal breast growth during pregnancy, and delayed or low milk production. Oversupply, effortless let-down, and normal lactation after reduction do not fit this pattern.

Question 46Pathology

Polycystic ovary syndrome may affect lactation primarily through which mechanism?

  1. Reduced prolactin clearance by the liver
  2. Increased alveolar multiplication throughout pregnancy
  3. Direct destruction of the nipple tissue
  4. Delayed secretory activation from insulin resistance Correct answer.

Explanation

PCOS is associated with delayed lactogenesis II and reduced milk supply, partly related to insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance. It does not increase alveolar multiplication, reduce prolactin clearance, or destroy nipple tissue.

Question 47Pathology

A breastfeeding mother with untreated hypothyroidism is most likely to report which lactation concern?

  1. Painful white nipple blebs
  2. Low supply and fatigue Correct answer.
  3. Bloody nipple discharge
  4. Oversupply with forceful let-down

Explanation

Untreated hypothyroidism can delay lactogenesis and reduce milk supply, and it commonly causes fatigue. Oversupply, nipple blebs, and bloody discharge are not typical thyroid-related findings.

Question 48Pathology

Which statement about diabetes and breastfeeding is accurate?

  1. Insulin requirements always fall and never change
  2. Breastfeeding is encouraged and may reduce later type 2 diabetes risk for the infant Correct answer.
  3. Diabetic mothers produce milk with higher lactose that harms infants
  4. Breastfeeding is contraindicated in type 1 diabetes

Explanation

Breastfeeding is recommended for mothers with diabetes and is associated with health benefits for the infant, including a possible reduction in later type 2 diabetes risk. Insulin requirements can change during lactation and require monitoring rather than following a fixed rule.

Question 49Pathology

Which finding in an infant most supports a restrictive tongue-tie affecting feeding?

  1. Limited tongue lift with a notched tip Correct answer.
  2. A high-arched palate with no feeding difficulty
  3. Symmetric weight gain and comfortable latch
  4. A tongue that protrudes past the lower gum ridge

Explanation

Ankyloglossia restricts tongue elevation and protrusion and may produce a notched or heart-shaped tongue tip on crying. A tongue that protrudes past the gum ridge and comfortable feeding with good weight gain are reassuring findings.

Question 50Pathology

An infant with an isolated cleft of the soft palate is most likely to have difficulty with which skill?

  1. Producing gastric acid
  2. Digesting lactose
  3. Swallowing secretions entirely
  4. Generating suction during breastfeeding Correct answer.

Explanation

A cleft of the soft palate disrupts the oral seal needed to generate negative pressure and suction during breastfeeding. Swallowing, lactose digestion, and gastric acid production are not directly impaired by an isolated soft palate cleft.