Parturition and Lactation - Unsolved Practice Set
Chapter: Human Reproduction | Topic: Parturition and Lactation
PARTURITION AND LACTATION - UNSOLVED PRACTICE SET
Topic: Parturition and Lactation
Multiple Choice Questions
Q1. The average duration of human pregnancy (gestation period) is approximately:
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 12 months
- 3 months
Q2. The hormone primarily responsible for triggering strong uterine contractions during childbirth is:
- Prolactin
- Oxytocin
- Estrogen alone
- FSH
Q3. The process of childbirth, involving expulsion of the foetus, is called:
- Implantation
- Gestation
- Parturition
- Lactation
Q4. The first milk secreted by the mammary glands after childbirth, rich in antibodies, is called:
- Colostrum
- Progesterone milk
- Placental fluid
- Amniotic fluid
Q5. The hormone mainly responsible for milk production (synthesis) in the mammary glands is:
- Oxytocin
- Prolactin
- Estrogen
- LH
Short Answer Questions
Q6. What triggers the onset of parturition, and which hormone plays the key role in this process?
Q7. Why is the oxytocin-driven mechanism during childbirth described as a "positive feedback" mechanism?
Q8. What is colostrum, and why is it especially important for a newborn's health?
Q9. Differentiate between the roles of prolactin and oxytocin in lactation.
Long Answer Questions
Q10. Describe the process of parturition, explaining how signals from the fully developed foetus and placenta help initiate uterine contractions.
Q11. Explain the process of lactation, describing how milk is both produced and released from the mammary glands after childbirth.
APPLICATION / ANALYSIS
Q12. Doctors often encourage mothers to breastfeed their newborns immediately after birth rather than waiting a few days. Using your understanding of colostrum and lactation hormones, explain why early breastfeeding is medically important for the baby.
Q13. During a difficult labour, a doctor may administer a synthetic form of a certain hormone to help induce or strengthen uterine contractions. Identify this hormone, and explain, using the concept of positive feedback, how administering it could help speed up delivery.