International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

What term describes underdeveloped breast tissue?

1. Hypoplasia

2. Hyperplasia

3. Atrophy

4. Hypertrophy

The correct answer is: Hypoplasia

The term that describes underdeveloped breast tissue is hypoplasia. Hypoplasia refers to a condition where there is incomplete development or underdevelopment of an organ or tissue. In the context of breast tissue, it indicates that the breast has not grown to its full size or has less tissue compared to what is expected for a person’s age or sex. This underdevelopment can impact lactation, as there might not be enough functional glandular tissue to produce sufficient milk. Understanding hypoplasia is crucial for lactation consultants, as it informs them about potential challenges a breastfeeding individual may face and helps guide appropriate support and management strategies. In contrast, hyperplasia is an increase in the number of cells, leading to enlargement of tissue, while atrophy refers to the reduction in size or wasting away of an organ or tissue. Hypertrophy involves an increase in the size of an organ or tissue due to the enlargement of its cells. None of these terms accurately describe underdeveloped breast tissue, making hypoplasia the correct choice.