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Mammary Gland - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 10:23, 2 January 2011
, 10:23, 2 January 2011→Histology
Secretory tissue is arranged into '''lobes''', each consisting of many '''lobules'''. Each lobule contains groups of '''alveoli''' (secretory compound tubuloalveolar cells) surrounded by a network of blood vessels and connective tissue stroma. The alveolar lumen is filled with milk during lactation. '''Myoepithelial cells''' lie between alveolar epithelial cells and the basement membrane. These contract under the influence of oxytocin to release milk to the exterior. Lobes and lobules are drained by lactiferous ducts into the '''gland sinus''', which is continuous with the '''teat sinus'''. The epithelium lining the lactiferous ducts and the sinus is two-layered cuboidal. A '''teat canal''' connects the teat sinus to the exterior. The lining is stratified squamous epithelium. Circular smooth muscle in the wall of the canal forms a '''sphincter'''. Between milkings, the narrow lumen of the teat canal is filled with a soft keratin plug to prevent bacteria entering the teat sinus and prevent milk leakage.
Secretory tissue is arranged into '''lobes''', each consisting of many '''lobules'''. Each lobule contains groups of '''alveoli''' (secretory compound tubuloalveolar cells) surrounded by a network of blood vessels and connective tissue stroma. The alveolar lumen is filled with milk during lactation. '''Myoepithelial cells''' lie between alveolar epithelial cells and the basement membrane. These contract under the influence of oxytocin to release milk to the exterior. Lobes and lobules are drained by lactiferous ducts into the '''gland sinus''', which is continuous with the '''teat sinus'''. The epithelium lining the lactiferous ducts and the sinus is two-layered cuboidal. A '''teat canal''' connects the teat sinus to the exterior. The lining is stratified squamous epithelium. Circular smooth muscle in the wall of the canal forms a '''sphincter'''. Between milkings, the narrow lumen of the teat canal is filled with a soft keratin plug to prevent bacteria entering the teat sinus and prevent milk leakage.
[[Image:Active Mammary Gland.jpg|left|thumb|250px|<small><center> The Active Mammary Gland. Copyright RVC 2008 (Courtesy of Tanya Hopcroft (RVC))</center></small>]]
[[Image:Active Mammary Gland.jpg|left|thumb|250px|<small><center> The Active Mammary Gland. Copyright RVC 2008 (Courtesy of Tanya Hopcroft (RVC))</center></small>]]