At a 12-month well-baby visit, the mother reports that the child has never been ill. She proudly reports that the baby was breastfed since birth. The nurse tells her that breastfeeding is beneficial because the dominant antibody in breast milk acts by functioning as an antigen receptor:
A) on B cell surface.
B) in blood.
C) in the lymphatic system.
D) in mucosal membranes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The dominant antibody in breast milk is secretory IgA (sIgA), which functions as an antigen receptor in mucosal membranes, such as the intestines, respiratory tract, and urogenital tract. sIgA helps to prevent attachment and colonization of pathogenic microorganisms in these areas.

At a 12-Month Well-Baby Visit, the Mother Reports That the Child