Question

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic feature of the mammary gland?
A. There are many plasma cells in the connective tissue surrounding the epithelial units.
B. An apocrine secretion of lipids occurs in breast milk.
C. There are striated ducts that are active in the transport of ions and water.
D. Mammary gland responds to steroid and peptide hormones.

Answer 1

Hint: The mammary gland is a structure specific to members that belong to the class Mammalia. It is involved in secreting, synthesising, and delivering milk to the neonate for its optimal protection, nourishment, and development. Mammalian species vary in their composition of milk and are uniquely appropriate for the species for which it was synthesised.

Complete step-by-step anwer:
Mammary glands initially appear in embryonic life as clumps of cells. The evolution of mammary glands into breasts depends on prolactin, oestrogen, and growth hormone. The mammary gland is an exocrine gland and is an enlarged and modified sweat gland. It is the characteristic of mammals that gave the class its name. The fundamental components of the mammary gland are the alveoli edged with milk-secreting cuboidal cells and encircled by myoepithelial cells. The cells usually exhibit apocrine secretion. The mammary glands are liable for lactation, or the production of milk. They also react to steroid and peptide hormones. Therefore, there are striated ducts that are active in the transport of ions and water is NOT a characteristic feature of the mammary gland.

Therefore the correct answer is Option C.

Note: Mammary glands are the exocrine glands and are characteristic of mammals. The most basic elements of the mammary gland are the alveoli (hollow cavities) which are lined with milk-secreting cuboidal cells and encircled by myoepithelial cells. The mammary gland is a highly developed and specialised organ found in pairs, one on each side of the anterior chest wall. The organ's main function is to secrete milk. While it is present in both sexes, it is well developed in females and rudimentary in males.