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MBBS QUESTION #10298
Question 1
During breastfeeding, the suckling stimulus at the nipple triggers oxytocin-mediated milk ejection ('let-down reflex'). This response occurs via which physiological pathway?
  • A neuroendocrine reflex: sensory afferents from nipple mechanoreceptors ascend to the hypothalamus, triggering oxytocin release from the posterior pituitary into the circulation✔️
  • A purely local, humoral pathway with no neural component whatsoever
  • Direct action of prolactin on breast myoepithelial cells, independent of oxytocin
  • Sympathetic stimulation of the areola directly causing milk ejection, bypassing the hypothalamus
Correct Answer Explanation
Suckling activates sensory nerve endings in the nipple/areola, sending afferent signals to the hypothalamus, which triggers oxytocin release from the posterior pituitary; circulating oxytocin then causes contraction of myoepithelial cells around the alveoli, producing milk ejection — a classic neuroendocrine reflex, distinct from prolactin's separate role in milk synthesis.