International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

Does the storage of milk occur within the ductal system?

1. Yes, in smaller ducts

2. No, it occurs in the alveoli

3. Yes, in the lactiferous sinus

4. No, it only occurs in the blood

The correct answer is: No, it occurs in the alveoli

The process of milk storage primarily occurs in the alveoli of the mammary glands, which are small sac-like structures in the breast tissue responsible for producing and secreting milk. Each alveolus is lined with milk-producing cells, which are stimulated by hormones associated with breastfeeding. When a breastfeeding session is initiated, the milk is released from the alveoli through the ductal system. The alveoli collect and store milk until it is needed for feeding. The ability of the alveoli to store milk makes them a critical component of the lactation process, as they serve as the initial reservoir for milk production. While it is true that there are smaller ducts and lactiferous sinuses involved in the milk ejection process, the primary storage of milk occurs in the alveoli. The lactiferous sinus serves as a temporary holding area for milk just before it exits from the nipple, but it is not the site where milk is produced or primarily stored. Furthermore, the assertion that milk only occurs in the blood is incorrect, as blood plays a role in delivering nutrients and hormones necessary for milk production, not in storing milk itself. Thus, the correct response highlights the essential role of the alveoli in the storage of milk within the breast.