Lactiferous sinus

Lactiferous sinus is a part of the anatomy of the breast that plays a crucial role in the process of lactation. It is an expanded portion of the lactiferous duct, which is the pathway that milk takes from the mammary gland to the nipple.

Anatomy

The lactiferous sinus is located deep within the breast tissue, just before the nipple. It is an enlarged portion of the lactiferous duct, which is the tube that carries milk from the mammary gland to the nipple. The lactiferous sinus serves as a reservoir for milk before it is expressed through the nipple during breastfeeding.

Function

The primary function of the lactiferous sinus is to store milk that has been produced by the mammary gland. During lactation, the milk moves from the mammary gland through the lactiferous duct and into the lactiferous sinus, where it is stored until it is expressed through the nipple during breastfeeding.

Clinical significance

In some cases, the lactiferous sinus can become blocked or infected, leading to conditions such as mastitis or abscess. These conditions can cause pain and discomfort, and may require medical treatment. In rare cases, the lactiferous sinus can also be affected by breast cancer.

See also

• Mammary gland
• Lactation
• Breastfeeding
• Mastitis
• Breast cancer

Lactiferous sinus Resources
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