Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC) Practice

What purpose do nerves serve in the breasts?

1. Innervation to the nipple tells the brain to produce oxytocin when breastfeeding

2. Intercostal nerves 3, 4, and 5 deal with breast tissue

3. Emptying of the alveolus tells the breast to make more milk

4. Supplies hormones to the myoepithelial cells for ejection of milk

The correct answer is: Innervation to the nipple tells the brain to produce oxytocin when breastfeeding

Nerves play a significant role in the function of the breasts, particularly during breastfeeding. Option A is the correct answer because the innervation of the nipple by nerves signals the brain to produce oxytocin, the hormone responsible for milk production, which is crucial for breastfeeding. Intercostal nerves, mentioned in option B, are involved in chest movement and do not play a significant role in the function of breast tissue. Emptying of the alveolus, mentioned in option C, is related to the production of breast milk, but it does not directly serve the purpose of nerves in the breasts. Similarly, option D mentions the role of hormones in milk ejection but does not mention the specific purpose of nerves in the breasts.