BE02: Anatomy and Physiology of the Lactating Breast Workbook Page 1

BE02: Anatomy and Physiology of the Lactating Breast

Workbook
Activity 2.1
Print, read and file the paper "Breast Growth and the Urinary Excretion of Lactose.." into your Workbook folder.

Activity 2.2
List the hormones that influence breast growth during puberty, and with each menstrual cycle.

List the hormones that influence the breast during pregnancy.

Note which one is most closely correlated to breast growth, and which one has a greater influence on breast function.

Which hormone keeps milk production in check during pregnancy?

Activity 2.3
Describe each of the following, summarizing your knowledge:
Alveolus

Ductal system
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Lobe

Areola

Nipple

Activity 2.4
Briefly describe breast capacity

Activity 2.5
List the major arteries that provide the blood supply for the breast.

Describe the lymphatic drainage of the breast.

Describe the nerve supply to the breast.

Write a paragraph explaining the milk ejection reflex.

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Activity 2.6
Define each of the following.
Hyperadenia/polymastia/hypermastia

Polythelia/hyperthelia

Hyperplasia

Gigantomastia

Hypoplasia

Describe the classification system for hypoplasia in terms of:

Type 2

Type 3

Type 4

Activity 2.7
Summarise the types and causes of nipple discharge
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Write brief notes about coloured milk.

Activity 2.8
Define secretory differentiation, noting the hormones involved and their role.

Activity 2.9
Describe the onset of secretory activation, noting the hormones involved and their role.

Activity 2.10
The concept of breast storage capacity and milk synthesis is new to many health professionals. It is a very important
concept to understand because it is scientific validation of our clinical recommendations.
Design a lesson plan for how you would teach your colleagues about secretory activation and lactogenesis III and the
impact of breast storage capacity on breastfeeding. Alternatively you may like to describe how you would incorporate
these issues into a breastfeeding class for mothers.
Use the following format for your lesson plan:
• Topic of lesson
• Time limit
• Objectives
• Teaching resources/aids
• Main Points to be covered
• Secretory activation: initiation and hormones involved
• LIII: description; autocrine factors controlling milk secretion
• Breast capacity: describe; correlate milk secretion with breast capacity
• Clinical application for concepts taught
• Method of evaluating understanding by your audience.

Activity 2.11
Give examples of each of the following causes of lactation insufficiency.
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Pre-glandular

Glandular

Post-glandular