MCQs ‐Parturition and Lactation

1. The average duration of human pregnancy is about:
(a) 3 months (b) 6 months (c) 9 months (d) 12 months
2. The duration of pregnancy is called:
(a) Menstrual period (b) Gestation period (c) Ovulation period (d) Lactation period
3. The process of childbirth is called:
(a) Lactation (b) Implantation (c) Parturition (d) Fertilisation
4. Parturition occurs due to vigorous contractions of the:
(a) Ovary (b) Cervix (c) Uterus (d) Placenta
5. Signals for parturition originate from the:
(a) Pituitary gland only (b) Placenta and fully developed foetus (c) Ovary only (d) Mammary glands
6. Mild uterine contractions during childbirth are called:
(a) Cleavage (b) Lactation reflex (c) Foetal ejection reflex (d) Implantation reflex
7. The hormone released from maternal pituitary during parturition is:
(a) Prolactin (b) Estrogen (c) Oxytocin (d) Progesterone
8. Oxytocin causes:
(a) Milk digestion (b) Uterine contractions (c) Ovulation (d) Fertilisation
9. The baby is expelled out through the:
(a) Fallopian tube (b) Birth canal (c) Urethra (d) Ovary
10. Soon after delivery, the __________ is also expelled out.
(a) Ovary (b) Cervix (c) Placenta (d) Endometrium
11. Production of milk by mammary glands is called:
(a) Ovulation (b) Lactation (c) Fertilisation (d) Implantation
12. Milk production starts towards the end of:
(a) Childhood (b) Puberty (c) Pregnancy (d) Menstruation
13. The first milk produced after childbirth is called:
(a) Plasma (b) Semen (c) Colostrum (d) Amniotic fluid
14. Colostrum is rich in:
(a) Fats only (b) Sugars only (c) Antibodies (d) Minerals only
15. Colostrum helps the newborn by:
(a) Increasing height (b) Providing immunity (c) Forming bones (d) Helping fertilisation
16. Which hormone is commonly injected by doctors to induce delivery?
(a) Insulin (b) Thyroxine (c) Oxytocin (d) Testosterone
17. Lactation helps the mother to:
(a) Produce ova (b) Feed the newborn (c) Produce hormones (d) Maintain menstruation
18. The reflex between uterine contraction and oxytocin secretion is an example of:
(a) Negative feedback (b) Positive feedback (c) Neutral feedback (d) Hormonal imbalance
19. Which gland secretes oxytocin during childbirth?
(a) Thyroid gland (b) Adrenal gland (c) Maternal pituitary gland (d) Pancreas
20. Breastfeeding during infancy is recommended because it:
(a) Causes rapid ageing (b) Weakens immunity (c) Helps healthy growth of baby (d) Stops digestion

Parturition and Lactation ‐ Short Answer Questions
1. What is the average duration of human pregnancy?
2. What is meant by gestation period?
3. Define parturition.
4. Which organ undergoes strong contractions during childbirth?
5. From where do the signals for parturition originate?
6. What is the foetal ejection reflex?
7. Which hormone is released during parturition?
8. What is the role of oxytocin in childbirth?
9. What is the birth canal?
10. What happens to the placenta after delivery?
11. What is lactation?
12. When does milk production begin in women?
13. What is colostrum?
14. Why is colostrum important for a newborn?
15. Which substances are abundant in colostrum?
16. Why is oxytocin sometimes administered by doctors during labour?
17. How does lactation benefit the newborn?
18. What is positive feedback during parturition?
19. Which gland secretes oxytocin during childbirth?
20. Why is breastfeeding recommended during infancy?
21. What are mammary glands?
22. What is the function of mammary glands after childbirth?
23. How does oxytocin help in milk ejection?
24. What is passive immunity?
25. How does breastfeeding contribute to the healthy growth of a baby?