Question

43. Agalactia is:

a) excess production of colostrum.
b) excess production of milk.
c) lack of milk production.
d) hyperlactation.

Answer 1

Agalactia is the lack of milk production in postpartum females, affecting the essential supply of nutrition and immunity for the newborn. So, the correct answer is option c

Step-by-step explanation:

Agalactia is defined as lack of milk production. It is a condition that can occur in postpartum females when the mammary glands do not synthesize or secrete milk in response to the infant suckling at the nipple. The process of lactation involves the secretion of various hormones such as prolactin, which largely contributes to the synthesis of milk.

Oxytocin release, stimulated by suckling, encourages the myoepithelial cells to contract and milk to be expressed from the alveoli. Colostrum, the milk produced in the initial postpartum days, is rich in immunoglobulins essential for newborn immunity. In contrast, agalactia means the absence of such milk production, which can be problematic as breast milk is vital for newborn nutrition and immunity development.

So, the correct answer is option c.