Mammary glands

The breasts lie on top of the chest wall and over the pectoral muscles. They contain glands, lobules, fatty tissue, and other structures. Milk ducts lead to the nipples, which are surrounded by a darker area called the areola. Both males and females have breasts, but they are more developed in females. Each breast contains many glands and other structures that allow them to perform their functions. Namely, the primary biological function of the breast is to produce milk to feed infants. However, the breast can also be a symbol of femininity and play a role in sexual attraction and pleasure. In this article, we will explore the various components that comprise male and female breasts. It will also discuss how a person can perform a self-examination for breast cancer. Share on Pinterest BluePlanetEarth/Getty Images The breasts are glandular organs that sit atop the chest wall and pectoral muscles. The breasts are present in both sexes. However, the female breasts are more developed. The breasts are also an important component of the female reproductive system. When The male breast structure is nearly identical to the female breast. However, they usually lack the specialized structures that allow female breasts to produce and secrete milk. In some cases, men may develop a condition known as Different structures make up the breasts, including structures underneath the skin. These structures Chest wall The chest wall The bones that make up the chest wall include the ribs, the b...

\( \newcommand\) • • • • • • A mammary gland is an organ in female mammals that produces milk to feed young offspring. Key Points • Mammary glands are not associated with the female reproductive tract, but develop as secondary sex characteristics in reproductive-age females. • The basic components of a mature mammary gland are the alveoli, hollow cavities, a few millimeters large lined with milk-secreting cuboidal cells and surrounded by myoepithelial cells. • Alveoli join up to form groups known as lobules, and each of which has a lactiferous duct that drains into openings in the nipple. • Secretory alveoli develop mainly in pregnancy, when rising levels of prolactin, estrogen, and progesterone cause further branching, together with an increase in adipose tissue and a richer blood flow. Key Terms • Wnts: Morphogenic signaling proteins that regulate cell-cell interactions. • beta-1 integrin: One of the regulators of mammary epithelial cell growth and differentiation. • mammary gland: A gland that secretes milk for suckling an infant or offspring. • lactiferous duct: The components that form a branched system connecting the lobules of the mammary gland to the tip of the nipple. A mammary gland is an organ in female mammals that produces milk to feed young offspring. Anatomy of the Mammary Gland The basic components of a mature mammary gland are the alveoli, hollow cavities, a few millimeters large lined with milk-secreting cuboidal cells and surrounded by myoepithelial cell...

Lactation is the process of making human milk. Human milk is secreted through your mammary glands, which are located in your breasts. Lactation is hormonally driven and occurs naturally in people who are pregnant. It can also be induced in those who are not pregnant. Lactation will continue as long as milk is being removed from your breasts. Overview Lactation is the process of making human milk. It's driven by hormones and results in milk coming from your nipple. What is lactation? Lactation is the process of producing and releasing milk from the mammary glands in your breasts. Lactation begins in Feeding your baby directly from your breasts is called Where does human milk come from? Human milk comes from your mammary glands inside your • Alveoli: These tiny, grape-like sacs produce and store milk. A cluster of alveoli is called lobules, and each lobule connects to a lobe. • Milk ducts: Each lobe connects to a milk duct. You can have up to 20 lobes, with one milk duct for every lobe. Milk ducts carry milk from the lobules of alveoli to your nipples. • Areola: The dark area surrounding your nipple, which has sensitive nerve endings that lets your body know when to release milk. To release milk, the entire areola needs stimulation. • Nipple: Your nipple contains several tiny pores (up to about 20) that secrete milk. Nerves on your nipple respond to suckling (either by a baby, your hands or a breast pump). This stimulation tells your brain to release milk from the alveoli th...

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