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Question #45388
The Question
A female patient delivers a healthy infant, but a fragment of the placenta is inadvertently retained in the uterus. Despite vigorous suckling by the infant, the mother fails to transition from colostrum to mature milk production. Which of the following endocrine mechanisms best explains this condition?
Options
- A.
Sustained high levels of progesterone from the retained tissue maintain the inhibition on prolactin-mediated milk synthesis.
- B.
The retained placental tissue prevents the neuroendocrine reflex from releasing oxytocin from the posterior pituitary.
- C.
Continued secretion of human placental lactogen (hPL) directly suppresses the anterior pituitary from releasing prolactin.
- D.
The lack of complete placental expulsion prevents the sudden surge of estrogen required to stimulate mammary alveoli.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Prolactin|Lactogenesis|IgA_Secretions
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Distinguishing between the hormones that anatomically prepare the mammary gland during pregnancy (Estrogen/Progesterone/hPL) and the hormonal withdrawal required to initiate physiological milk production (drop in Progesterone allowing Prolactin action).
Students often fail to recognize the inhibitory 'progesterone block' exerted by the intact placenta, assuming that high prolactin alone is sufficient for lactogenesis.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Human Reproduction - Class 12 |
| Concept | Parturition Neuroendocrine Reflex |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |