International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

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Where is prolactin primarily produced in the body?

Posterior pituitary
Anterior pituitary
Adrenal glands
Thyroid gland

The correct answer is: Anterior pituitary

Prolactin is primarily produced in the anterior pituitary gland. This hormone plays a crucial role in lactation, stimulating milk production in the mammary glands after childbirth. The anterior pituitary is responsible for synthesizing and releasing several important hormones, including prolactin, which is secreted in response to hormonal signals from the hypothalamus. In the context of lactation, the release of prolactin is stimulated by factors such as breastfeeding, as the act of suckling sends signals to the brain that lead to increased production and release of the hormone. This is essential for establishing and maintaining milk supply. Understanding the location and function of prolactin is fundamental for a lactation consultant, as it underscores the biological processes involved in milk production and the impact of maternal behavior and physiology on infant feeding.