The hypertrophied sebaceous (skin-fat) glands found around the nipple during pregnancy are named.

Appeared in: MP CHO - 2022

Explanation

Montgomery's tubercles are sebaceous (oil) glands located on the areola that become hypertrophied (enlarged) during pregnancy.
These glands appear as small, raised bumps and are a normal physiological change stimulated by pregnancy hormones.
Their primary function is to secrete a lubricating and protective oily substance that keeps the nipple and areola moist, preventing cracking and infection, especially in preparation for breastfeeding.
The secretion is also believed to have a unique scent that helps guide the newborn to the nipple for feeding.

Option A: The secondary areola is a change in pigmentation, not a glandular structure. It refers to the development of a second, larger, and often lighter-pigmented ring of skin that forms around the primary areola.
Option C: Striae gravidarum, commonly known as stretch marks, are reddish or purplish streaks that can appear on the abdomen, breasts, thighs, and buttocks. They are caused by the stretching of the skin's connective tissue, not by glandular hypertrophy.
Option D: The linea nigra is a dark, vertical line of hyperpigmentation that runs down the midline of the abdomen, typically from the umbilicus to the pubic bone. It is not located on the breast.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Physiological Changes of the Breast During Pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses should reassure pregnant women that Montgomery's tubercles are a normal and healthy sign of the body preparing for breastfeeding.
Patient education is crucial: advise women to avoid scrubbing the areola with soap or attempting to pop the tubercles, as this can lead to dryness, cracking, and potential infection.
What if? If a patient reports that one of the tubercles is red, swollen, and painful, the nurse should suspect a blocked or infected gland. The patient should be advised to apply warm compresses and consult their healthcare provider, as an antibiotic may be necessary.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully read the question to identify the key terms: 'hypertrophied sebaceous glands,' 'around the nipple,' and 'during pregnancy.'
Analyze the options provided and define each one based on your knowledge of pregnancy-related physiological changes.
Option A, Secondary Areola, is a pigmentation change around the areola.
Option B, Montgomery Tubercles, are known to be sebaceous glands on the areola.
Option C, Striae Gravidarum, are stretch marks.
Option D, Linea Nigra, is a pigmented line on the abdomen.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QAPO5rseDxwlFD1NMOZ9aT

E6 Anatomy BDChaurasia V1 10e p. 46-48

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 40-59

Practise the full MP CHO - 2022

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