CLC Certification Exam Test Bank
2025/2026 | Actual Certified Lactation
Counselor Exam with Complete Questions
& Verified Answers | ALPP & IBLCE
Aligned
CLC Practice Exam – Section 1: Anatomy & Physiology of the Breast
Question 1:
Which structure in the breast is responsible for producing milk?
A) Lactiferous duct
B) Alveoli
C) Nipple
D) Areola
Answer:
B) Alveoli
Explanation: The alveoli are small, grape-like clusters of cells in the breast that synthesize and
secrete milk. Milk then moves through the lactiferous ducts toward the nipple. The nipple and
areola play roles in milk ejection and infant latch but do not produce milk.
Question 2:
Which hormone is primarily responsible for milk production after childbirth?
A) Estrogen
B) Progesterone
C) Prolactin
D) Oxytocin
Answer:
C) Prolactin
Explanation: Prolactin, produced by the anterior pituitary gland, stimulates the alveolar cells in
the breast to produce milk. Oxytocin is responsible for milk ejection (let-down reflex), not
production.
,Question 3:
What is the function of myoepithelial cells in the breast?
A) Produce milk
B) Contract to expel milk
C) Store milk
D) Protect the breast from infection
Answer:
B) Contract to expel milk
Explanation: Myoepithelial cells surround the alveoli and contract in response to oxytocin,
helping push milk through the ducts toward the nipple.
Question 4:
Which of the following changes occurs in the breast during pregnancy to prepare for lactation?
A) Decrease in ductal branching
B) Shrinkage of alveoli
C) Development of lobuloalveolar structures
D) Reduction of blood supply
Answer:
C) Development of lobuloalveolar structures
Explanation: During pregnancy, estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin stimulate the growth of
lobules and alveoli in preparation for milk production. Ducts branch extensively, and vascular
supply increases, contrary to options A, B, and D.
Question 5:
Which statement best describes colostrum?
A) Produced in large volumes and low in antibodies
B) Produced during late pregnancy and high in nutrients
C) Produced in small volumes, rich in antibodies, and supports newborn immunity
D) Produced after 6 months of breastfeeding
Answer:
C) Produced in small volumes, rich in antibodies, and supports newborn immunity
Explanation: Colostrum is the first milk, secreted in the first 2–5 days postpartum. It is thick,
yellowish, highly concentrated in antibodies (especially IgA), and helps protect the newborn
from infections.
,Question 6:
Which structure stores milk temporarily before it exits through the nipple?
A) Alveoli
B) Lactiferous sinuses
C) Areola
D) Lobules
Answer:
B) Lactiferous sinuses
Explanation: Lactiferous sinuses are dilated portions of the milk ducts just beneath the areola
that store milk briefly before ejection.
Question 7:
What is the main function of the areola during breastfeeding?
A) Produce milk
B) Help infant latch and stimulate milk ejection
C) Store colostrum
D) Prevent infection
Answer:
B) Help infant latch and stimulate milk ejection
Explanation: The areola contains Montgomery glands, which secrete lubricating oils and
pheromones to help the infant latch properly and stimulate oxytocin release.
Question 8:
Which hormone increases during pregnancy and inhibits full milk production until after delivery?
A) Prolactin
B) Oxytocin
C) Progesterone
D) Cortisol
Answer:
C) Progesterone
Explanation: Progesterone rises during pregnancy, preparing breast tissue but inhibiting
copious milk production until after the placenta is delivered.
Question 9:
Which part of the breast contains the highest density of alveoli?
A) Tail of Spence
B) Nipple
, C) Central portion of the breast
D) Areola
Answer:
C) Central portion of the breast
Explanation: Most alveoli are concentrated in the central lobes of the breast, where milk
production occurs most actively.
Question 10:
What is the primary stimulus for the let-down reflex during breastfeeding?
A) Prolactin
B) Infant suckling
C) Oxytocin
D) Estrogen
Answer:
B) Infant suckling
Explanation: Infant suckling stimulates nerve endings in the nipple, signaling the posterior
pituitary to release oxytocin, which triggers milk ejection.
Question 11:
Which type of tissue primarily gives the breast its shape?
A) Glandular tissue
B) Adipose tissue
C) Connective tissue
D) Muscle tissue
Answer:
B) Adipose tissue
Explanation: Fat (adipose tissue) surrounds glandular structures and largely determines the
breast’s size and shape, while connective tissue provides support.
Question 12:
Which of the following increases significantly in breast tissue during lactation?
A) Connective tissue
B) Adipose tissue
C) Glandular tissue
D) Muscle tissue
2025/2026 | Actual Certified Lactation
Counselor Exam with Complete Questions
& Verified Answers | ALPP & IBLCE
Aligned
CLC Practice Exam – Section 1: Anatomy & Physiology of the Breast
Question 1:
Which structure in the breast is responsible for producing milk?
A) Lactiferous duct
B) Alveoli
C) Nipple
D) Areola
Answer:
B) Alveoli
Explanation: The alveoli are small, grape-like clusters of cells in the breast that synthesize and
secrete milk. Milk then moves through the lactiferous ducts toward the nipple. The nipple and
areola play roles in milk ejection and infant latch but do not produce milk.
Question 2:
Which hormone is primarily responsible for milk production after childbirth?
A) Estrogen
B) Progesterone
C) Prolactin
D) Oxytocin
Answer:
C) Prolactin
Explanation: Prolactin, produced by the anterior pituitary gland, stimulates the alveolar cells in
the breast to produce milk. Oxytocin is responsible for milk ejection (let-down reflex), not
production.
,Question 3:
What is the function of myoepithelial cells in the breast?
A) Produce milk
B) Contract to expel milk
C) Store milk
D) Protect the breast from infection
Answer:
B) Contract to expel milk
Explanation: Myoepithelial cells surround the alveoli and contract in response to oxytocin,
helping push milk through the ducts toward the nipple.
Question 4:
Which of the following changes occurs in the breast during pregnancy to prepare for lactation?
A) Decrease in ductal branching
B) Shrinkage of alveoli
C) Development of lobuloalveolar structures
D) Reduction of blood supply
Answer:
C) Development of lobuloalveolar structures
Explanation: During pregnancy, estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin stimulate the growth of
lobules and alveoli in preparation for milk production. Ducts branch extensively, and vascular
supply increases, contrary to options A, B, and D.
Question 5:
Which statement best describes colostrum?
A) Produced in large volumes and low in antibodies
B) Produced during late pregnancy and high in nutrients
C) Produced in small volumes, rich in antibodies, and supports newborn immunity
D) Produced after 6 months of breastfeeding
Answer:
C) Produced in small volumes, rich in antibodies, and supports newborn immunity
Explanation: Colostrum is the first milk, secreted in the first 2–5 days postpartum. It is thick,
yellowish, highly concentrated in antibodies (especially IgA), and helps protect the newborn
from infections.
,Question 6:
Which structure stores milk temporarily before it exits through the nipple?
A) Alveoli
B) Lactiferous sinuses
C) Areola
D) Lobules
Answer:
B) Lactiferous sinuses
Explanation: Lactiferous sinuses are dilated portions of the milk ducts just beneath the areola
that store milk briefly before ejection.
Question 7:
What is the main function of the areola during breastfeeding?
A) Produce milk
B) Help infant latch and stimulate milk ejection
C) Store colostrum
D) Prevent infection
Answer:
B) Help infant latch and stimulate milk ejection
Explanation: The areola contains Montgomery glands, which secrete lubricating oils and
pheromones to help the infant latch properly and stimulate oxytocin release.
Question 8:
Which hormone increases during pregnancy and inhibits full milk production until after delivery?
A) Prolactin
B) Oxytocin
C) Progesterone
D) Cortisol
Answer:
C) Progesterone
Explanation: Progesterone rises during pregnancy, preparing breast tissue but inhibiting
copious milk production until after the placenta is delivered.
Question 9:
Which part of the breast contains the highest density of alveoli?
A) Tail of Spence
B) Nipple
, C) Central portion of the breast
D) Areola
Answer:
C) Central portion of the breast
Explanation: Most alveoli are concentrated in the central lobes of the breast, where milk
production occurs most actively.
Question 10:
What is the primary stimulus for the let-down reflex during breastfeeding?
A) Prolactin
B) Infant suckling
C) Oxytocin
D) Estrogen
Answer:
B) Infant suckling
Explanation: Infant suckling stimulates nerve endings in the nipple, signaling the posterior
pituitary to release oxytocin, which triggers milk ejection.
Question 11:
Which type of tissue primarily gives the breast its shape?
A) Glandular tissue
B) Adipose tissue
C) Connective tissue
D) Muscle tissue
Answer:
B) Adipose tissue
Explanation: Fat (adipose tissue) surrounds glandular structures and largely determines the
breast’s size and shape, while connective tissue provides support.
Question 12:
Which of the following increases significantly in breast tissue during lactation?
A) Connective tissue
B) Adipose tissue
C) Glandular tissue
D) Muscle tissue
