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Question #45532
The Question
During intense lactation, the suckling stimulus by an infant triggers a dual-track hormonal response in the mother. Which of the following statements accurately describes the distinct roles of the hypothalamic-hypophyseal axis in facilitating milk let-down and concurrent lactational amenorrhea?
Options
- A.
Direct neural regulation causes the adenohypophysis to release oxytocin for milk let-down, while hypophysiotropic hormones stimulate prolactin to inhibit ovulation.
- B.
The neurohypophysis releases oxytocin via a positive feedback loop for milk ejection, while elevated prolactin from the adenohypophysis exerts a negative feedback on GnRH secretion, causing amenorrhea.
- C.
Suckling stimulates the hypothalamus to synthesize both prolactin and oxytocin, which are stored in the posterior pituitary until needed for milk synthesis and ejection respectively.
- D.
The positive feedback loop of suckling increases oxytocin release from the neurohypophysis, which directly acts on the ovarian follicles to inhibit their development during lactation.
Check Your Answer
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
Adenohypophysis vs Neurohypophysis Origin|Oxytocin|Milk_Ejection
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Distinguishing the dual pathways of the suckling reflex.
Students frequently confuse the origins (Neurohypophysis vs.
Adenohypophysis) and functions (Ejection vs.
Synthesis) of oxytocin and prolactin.
Furthermore, a common misconception is attributing lactational amenorrhea directly to oxytocin or ovarian exhaustion, rather than the correct mechanism: prolactin-induced suppression of hypothalamic GnRH.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Reproductive Health - Class 12 |
| Concept | Lactational Amenorrhea Logic |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |