Mammary Glands
Mammary gland or Breast consist apocrine gland, responsible for secreting breast milk.
The mammary gland is a compound, branched tubuloalveolar structure. They are derived from modified sweat glands.
Breast is secondary sex characteristics.
Breast Anatomy
They are supported by and attached to the front of the chest wall (intercostal muscle). They rest on the fascia of pectoral muscles, pectoralis major muscle.
1. External structure
1. Areola
Areola is ring of pigmented skin in center of each breast.
Areola surrounds central protruding nipple.
Sebaceous gland present in areloa, produce serum that protect from cracking of skin of nipple.
Blood capillaries and nerves closer to surface and surrounding skin that make areola more sensitive.
2. Nipple
Nipple is raised part of breast surrounded by areola. Nipple has 15-20 tiny opening of lactiferous ducts called nipple pore, where milk emerge.
In pregnancy areola and nipple often darken.
Sensory nerve fibres of areola triggering milk ejection reflex when infants sucks.
Autonomic nervous system controls smooth muscle fibers in areola and nipple.
2. Internal structure
1. Lactiferous sinus
2. Lactiferous duct
3. Duct
4. Ductule
5. Alvelous
6. Suspensory ligaments of cooper's ligament
Breast are held in place by group of mammary or cooper's ligaments.
Provide natural support to breast.
7. Adipose tissue
Alveolar gland pass mik into ductule then mammary duct then lactiferous ducts which open to the outside at nipple.
Lactiferous duct drain into dilated region called lactiferous sinus where milk accumulates during lactation.
Non-lactating breast consists mostly of adipose and collagenous tissue.
Function of Mammary Gland
1. Main function is lactation
2. Secretion and ejection of milk that nourishes the newborn baby.
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