Mammary

Mammary gland is an exocrine gland in mammals that produces milk to feed young offspring. Mammals get their name from the Latin word mamma, "breast". The mammary gland is within the mammary line, two bands that run from the armpit to the groin. In females, it can become functional and produce milk for the young.

Anatomy

The basic components of the mammary gland are the alveoli (hollow cavities, a few millimeters large) lined with milk-secreting cuboidal cells and surrounded by myoepithelial cells. These alveoli join up to form groups known as lobules, and each lobule has a lactiferous duct that drains into openings in the nipple.

Development

The development of mammary glands is controlled by hormones. The mammary glands exist in both sexes, but they are rudimentary until puberty when, in response to ovarian hormones, they begin to develop in the female.

Function

The primary function of mammary glands is to nurture young by producing milk. In humans, this is referred to as lactation. The female's body prepares for this function during pregnancy.

Clinical significance

Diseases of the mammary glands or breasts include breast cancer and mastitis. In addition, a number of conditions cause galactorrhea (excessive milk production), including hyperprolactinaemia.

See also

• Breast
• Breast cancer
• Mastitis
• Galactorrhea
• Hyperprolactinaemia

Mammary Resources
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