Prolactin reflex in mother causes?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2018

Explanation

The question asks for the function of the prolactin reflex in a mother.
Suckling by the infant stimulates nerve endings in the nipple, sending signals to the anterior pituitary gland.
The anterior pituitary responds by releasing prolactin.
Prolactin acts on the alveolar cells of the mammary glands to stimulate the synthesis and secretion of milk.
This reflex is crucial for maintaining a continuous supply of milk for the infant.

Option A: Ejection of milk, also known as the 'let-down' reflex, is caused by the hormone oxytocin, not prolactin. Oxytocin is released from the posterior pituitary and causes contraction of myoepithelial cells around the alveoli.
Option C: Prolactin stimulates, rather than suppresses, milk production. Suppression of milk secretion during pregnancy is primarily due to high levels of estrogen and progesterone.
Option D: Milk is stored within the alveoli and duct system of the breast, but the prolactin reflex is the active process of producing the milk, not its passive storage.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Physiology of lactation, specifically the role of the prolactin reflex as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the difference between the prolactin and oxytocin reflexes is crucial for nurses advising new mothers on breastfeeding.
Nurses can explain that frequent suckling is essential because it stimulates prolactin release, thereby increasing milk supply ('supply and demand').
Stress, anxiety, or pain can inhibit the oxytocin reflex, preventing milk let-down even if the breasts are full. Nurses should promote a calm, comfortable environment for feeding.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept in the question: the 'Prolactin reflex'.
This is a factual recall question about physiology. Access your knowledge about the hormones involved in lactation.
Recall that two main hormones are involved: prolactin and oxytocin.
Differentiate their functions: Prolactin is for 'PROduction', while Oxytocin is for 'Ousting' or ejecting the milk.
Evaluate the options based on this differentiation. 'Production of milk' directly matches the function of prolactin.
Eliminate the other options. 'Ejection of milk' is the function of oxytocin. 'Suppression' is the opposite effect. 'Storage' is a passive state, not a reflex action.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Physiology of lactation, specifically the role of the prolactin reflex.
Stem keywords: Prolactin reflex, mother, causes
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Nutrition Kumud Khanna 2e p. 99-101

E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 3 p. 69-71

E6 Physiology Essentials Sembulingam 10e Part 2 p. 30-32

Practise the full RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2018

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.