Sow Mammary Gland - Anatomy & Physiology
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General Structure
- Usually 14 mammary complexes
- Arranged in two rows on the ventral side of the thorax and abdomen.
- In most animals, left and right complexes not at the same transverse plane - arranged alternating.
- Facilitates access of piglets when the sow is lying on her side.
- In most animals, left and right complexes not at the same transverse plane - arranged alternating.
- Each complex consists of two or three mammary units.
- Each unit opens with a separate orifice at the tip of the teat in a shallow depression.
Blood Supply
- Thoracic mammary complexes receive additional blood supply from mammary branches of the lateral thoracic artery.