
Describe the structure of mammary glands.
Answer
415.2k+ views
1 likes
Hint: The mammary gland is a gland found in females' breasts that is responsible for lactation, or milk production. Within the breasts, both males and females contain glandular tissue; however, glandular tissue in females begins to grow during puberty in response to oestrogen secretion. Only after childbirth do mammary glands produce milk.
Complete answer:
The alveoli, which are lined by milk-secreting epithelial cells, are the most basic components of the mammary gland. Myoepithelial cells surround it.
Complete answer:
The alveoli, which are lined by milk-secreting epithelial cells, are the most basic components of the mammary gland. Myoepithelial cells surround it.
These alveoli group together to form lobules, each of which has a lactiferous duct that drains into the nipple apertures.
Myoepithelial cells could contract like muscle cells, forcing milk from the alveoli to the nipple via the lactiferous ducts. It collects in the widenings of the ducts here. A suckling baby essentially presses milk out of these sinuses.
A simple mammary gland is made up of all the milk-secreting tissue that leads to a single lactiferous duct, whereas a complicated mammary gland is made up of all the simple mammary glands and serves only one nipple.
Humans have two complex mammary glands, one in each breast, with each complex mammary gland containing ten to twenty simple glands.
Female breast anatomy is shown in the below diagram.
Female breast anatomy is shown in the below diagram.
Lactation is the breast gland's primary function. Lactation is the process by which milk is produced and secreted or ejected. Lactation is a procedure that occurs after a kid is born and throughout pregnancy. Prolactin is a hormone that regulates and stimulates milk production. The anterior lobe, which is a component of the pituitary gland, secretes prolactin. The hormone oxytocin is responsible for milk ejection. The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland releases the oxytocin hormone.
Note:
Male mammals have rudimentary or non-functioning mammary glands, while female mammals have fully functional mammary glands. The mammary glands' function is known to be regulated by the endocrine system. The hormonal changes that occur during parturition cause these glands to become functioning.
A projection known as a nipple can be found on the outside of the breast. The circular hyperpigmented region surrounds the nipple. The areola is the name for this area. It's either a dark pink or a light brown colour. The areolar glands are a group of sebaceous glands on the surface of the areola.
Note:
Male mammals have rudimentary or non-functioning mammary glands, while female mammals have fully functional mammary glands. The mammary glands' function is known to be regulated by the endocrine system. The hormonal changes that occur during parturition cause these glands to become functioning.
A projection known as a nipple can be found on the outside of the breast. The circular hyperpigmented region surrounds the nipple. The areola is the name for this area. It's either a dark pink or a light brown colour. The areolar glands are a group of sebaceous glands on the surface of the areola.
Latest Vedantu courses for you
Grade 11 Science PCM | CBSE | SCHOOL | English
CBSE (2025-26)
School Full course for CBSE students
₹41,848 per year
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 11 Business Studies: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Economics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Accountancy: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Computer Science: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 English: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Maths: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Trending doubts
Which one is a true fish A Jellyfish B Starfish C Dogfish class 11 biology CBSE

Difference Between Prokaryotic Cells and Eukaryotic Cells

1 ton equals to A 100 kg B 1000 kg C 10 kg D 10000 class 11 physics CBSE

1 Quintal is equal to a 110 kg b 10 kg c 100kg d 1000 class 11 physics CBSE

One Metric ton is equal to kg A 10000 B 1000 C 100 class 11 physics CBSE

How much is 23 kg in pounds class 11 chemistry CBSE
