The sebaceous gland, which remains non-dominant in nonpregnant state, becomes hypertrophied during pregnancy. This gland is?

Appeared in: UPRVUNL - 2021

Explanation

Montgomery's tubercles are sebaceous glands located on the areola of the breast.
During pregnancy, hormonal stimulation causes these glands to hypertrophy (enlarge) and become visible as small bumps.
Their primary function is to secrete a lubricating and antimicrobial substance that protects the nipple and areola during breastfeeding, preventing cracking and infection.
This change is a normal and expected physiological adaptation of pregnancy.

Option A: The axillary tail, or Tail of Spence, is an extension of the breast's glandular tissue into the axilla (armpit). It is part of the breast parenchyma, not a specific sebaceous gland.
Option B: The secondary areola is a pigmentation change, not a gland. It refers to the development of a second, larger, and often lighter-pigmented ring around the primary areola during pregnancy.
Option C: Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular contractions of the uterus. They are completely unrelated to the breasts or sebaceous glands.

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.
It is important for nurses to educate expectant mothers that the appearance of Montgomery's tubercles is a normal and healthy sign of the body preparing for breastfeeding.
Reassurance can alleviate patient anxiety, as some women may mistake these bumps for pimples, an infection, or another skin problem.
Patients should be advised not to squeeze or try to pop these tubercles, as this can lead to irritation or infection.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question to identify the key characteristics: it asks for a 'sebaceous gland' that 'hypertrophies' (enlarges) during 'pregnancy'.
Evaluate each option based on these keywords.
Option A, 'Axillary tail', is breast tissue, not a specific gland.
Option B, 'Secondary areola', is a pigmentation change, not a gland.
Option C, 'Braxton Hicks contractions', are uterine contractions, which are unrelated to the breast.
Option D, 'Montgomery's tubercles', are known to be sebaceous glands on the areola that enlarge during pregnancy.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Physiological changes of the breast during pregnancy.
Stem keywords: sebaceous gland, non-dominant, nonpregnant state, hypertrophied, pregnancy
Lead-in keywords: This gland is?

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E6 Anatomy BDChaurasia V1 10e p. 46-48

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 40-59

Practise the full UPRVUNL - 2021

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