Advanced Mammary Gland Quiz

Q1. Which structure consists of a terminal duct and its associated lobule and represents an important functional unit of the mammary gland?

• Axillary sheath
• Retromammary space
• Subareolar lymphatic plexus
• Terminal duct lobular unit

Q2. Which cellular layer lies between the luminal epithelial cells and basement membrane of many mammary ducts and secretory units?

• Mesothelial cells
• Myoepithelial cells
• Osteoclasts
• Purkinje cells

Q3. Suckling initiates the milk ejection reflex through sensory input carried primarily by which nerves?

• Obturator nerves
• Sciatic nerves
• Femoral nerves
• Intercostal nerves

Q4. What is the immediate effect of oxytocin on the lactating mammary gland?

• Destruction of glandular lobules
• Conversion of adipose tissue into cartilage
• Contraction of myoepithelial cells and milk ejection
• Permanent closure of lactiferous ducts

Q5. Which change characterizes the mammary gland after cessation of lactation?

• Regression of much of the secretory apparatus through involution
• Permanent conversion of all ducts into solid cords
• Complete disappearance of the nipple
• Transformation of the gland into skeletal muscle

Q6. Which statement best distinguishes the resting mammary gland from the lactating mammary gland?

• The resting gland is composed entirely of skeletal muscle
• The lactating gland has markedly expanded secretory alveoli
• The lactating gland lacks epithelial cells
• The resting gland contains no ducts

Q7. Which anatomical feature allows lymph from the medial mammary gland to communicate with lymphatic pathways of the opposite breast?

• Direct fusion of the two mammary glands
• A shared lactiferous duct between the breasts
• A common axillary artery connecting both breasts
• Cross-midline communication of medial lymphatic vessels

Q8. Why is the terminal duct lobular unit clinically important?

• Many common breast pathological processes arise within or involve this unit
• It separates the lung from the pleural cavity
• It forms the axillary artery
• It contains the principal motor nerve to pectoralis major

Q9. Which combination of tissues forms the major structural components surrounding and supporting the glandular mammary tissue?

• Fibrous connective tissue and adipose tissue
• Skeletal muscle and elastic cartilage
• Compact bone and hyaline cartilage
• Neural tissue and articular cartilage

Q10. Which statement best integrates the functional anatomy of the mammary gland?

• It is a lobulated gland with a branching ductal and secretory system that undergoes hormonally regulated changes during reproduction and lactation
• It is a lymphatic organ without epithelial secretory tissue
• It is an intrathoracic endocrine gland enclosed by pleura
• It is a static skeletal muscle that does not change after puberty