International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

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What type of tissue primarily comprises the stroma of the breast?

  1. Epithelial tissue

  2. Adipose tissue

  3. Supporting tissue

  4. Nerve tissue

The correct answer is: Supporting tissue

The stroma of the breast primarily consists of supporting tissue, which includes a combination of connective tissues that provide structure and support for the breast's functional components. This supporting tissue encompasses both loose connective tissue and dense connective tissue, which together form a scaffold that supports the lobules, ducts, and other structures within the breast. While epithelial tissue is critical for the functioning of mammary glands—forming the ducts and lobules where milk is produced and transported—it does not make up the majority of the breast's stroma. Adipose tissue is indeed present in the breast and contributes to its size and shape, but it is not the sole type of tissue responsible for the stroma. Nerve tissue may be present in the breast as well, but it does not constitute the primary composition of the stroma. In essence, recognizing that the stroma is primarily made of supporting connective tissue helps understand the breast's overall structure and its functionality in lactation and breastfeeding.