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ShareMammary glands are the organs that, in the female mammal, produce milk for the sustenance of the young.
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These exocrine glands are enlarged and modified sweat glands and are the characteristic of mammals which gave the class its name. The basic components of the mammary gland are the alveoli (hollow cavities, a few millimetres 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.
The myoepithelial cells can contract, similar to muscle cells, and thereby push the milk from the alveoli through the lactiferous ducts toward the nipple, where it collects in widenings (sinuses) of the ducts.
As the infant begins to suckle, the hormonally mediated "let down reflex" ensues and the mother's milk is secreted into - not sucked from the gland by - the baby's mouth.
For more information about the topic Mammary gland, read the full article at Wikipedia.org, or see the following related articles:
Exocrine gland — Exocrine glands are glands that secrete their products into ducts. They are the counterparts to endocrine glands, which secrete their products ... > read more
Salivary gland — The salivary glands produce saliva, which keeps the mouth and other parts of the digestive system moist. It also helps break down carbohydrates (with ... > read more
Uterus — The uterus or womb is the major female reproductive organ of most mammals, including humans. The uterus is located inside the pelvis immediately ... > read more
Lymph node — Lymph nodes are components of the lymphatic system. Lymph nodes act as filters, with an internal honeycomb of connective tissue filled with ... > read more
Pulmonary alveolus — An alveolus (plural: alveoli), is an anatomical structure that has the form of a hollow cavity. In the lung, the pulmonary alveoli are spherical ... > read moreEditor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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