Question:

Select the correct path of flow of milk during breast feeding.

Updated On: Nov 14, 2025
  • Mammary tubules $\rightarrow$ Mammary duct $\rightarrow$ Mammary ampulla $\rightarrow$ Lactiferous duct $\rightarrow$ Alveoli
  • Mammary tubules $\rightarrow$ Mammary duct $\rightarrow$ Lactiferous duct $\rightarrow$ Mammary ampulla $\rightarrow$ Alveoli
  • Alveoli $\rightarrow$ Mammary tubules $\rightarrow$ Mammary ampulla $\rightarrow$ Mammary duct $\rightarrow$ Lactiferous duct
  • Alveoli $\rightarrow$ Mammary tubules $\rightarrow$ Mammary duct $\rightarrow$ Mammary ampulla $\rightarrow$ Lactiferous duct
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The question asks us to determine the correct path of milk flow during breastfeeding. Understanding the anatomy of the mammary gland is crucial to answering this question. Here is the typical pathway for the flow of milk:

  1. Alveoli: Milk is produced in the alveoli, which are small grape-like structures where milk-producing cells (lactocytes) are located.
  2. Mammary Tubules: From the alveoli, milk passes into small ducts known as mammary tubules.
  3. Mammary Ducts: The mammary tubules converge into larger ducts, known as mammary ducts, that transport milk towards the nipple.
  4. Mammary Ampulla: Before reaching the nipple, the mammary ducts expand into the mammary ampulla, which acts as a temporary milk storage site.
  5. Lactiferous Ducts: Finally, from the ampulla, milk moves through the lactiferous ducts towards the nipple, where it can be accessed by the nursing infant.

Therefore, the correct path of the flow of milk during breastfeeding is:

Alveoli \rightarrow Mammary~tubules \rightarrow Mammary~duct \rightarrow Mammary~ampulla \rightarrow Lactiferous~duct

Options Explanation:

  • The first option suggests the flow starts at the "Mammary tubules," which is incorrect as the process begins in the alveoli.
  • The second option places the "Lactiferous duct" before the "Mammary ampulla," which is not the correct order as the ampulla precedes the lactiferous duct.
  • The third option is aligned correctly with the known biological process based on mammary gland anatomy, hence is correct.
  • The fourth option, similar to the third, is the correct sequence.
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Concepts Used:

Parturition and Lactation

Parturition:

It is the process of the contraction of the uterus at regular intervals that helps in the delivery of the baby at the end of pregnancy. The signals that the fully developed fetus sends through the placenta for ejection is called Foetal ejection reflex. These signals induce muscular contractions.

The time period from fertilization to childbirth is called the gestation period.

Lactation:

It is the process of production of milk by the mammary glands at the end of pregnancy. The milk produced initially by the glands is called colostrum. This milk is crucial for the baby as it provides the child with initial immunity.