karmaan958
The mammary gland is a gland located in the breasts of females that is responsible for lactation, or the production of milk. Both males and females have glandular tissue within the breasts; however, in females the glandular tissue begins to develop after puberty in response to estrogen release.
The gland becomes functional only after childbirth. It is normally a rudimentary structure in males.
Mammary gland Function
As discussed earlier, the gland is a milk-producing structure, composed of numerous fat cells. The breast ducts are capable of secreting during pregnancy. Elevated levels of prolactin, estrogen and progesterone signals milk secretion, also called lactation. Suckling of the infant results in secretion of oxytocin, which causes the contraction of myoepthelial cells and subsequent excretion of milk by the alveolar units into the lobule toward the nipple, where it collects in the ducts.
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The gland becomes functional only after childbirth. It is normally a rudimentary structure in males.
Mammary gland Function
As discussed earlier, the gland is a milk-producing structure, composed of numerous fat cells. The breast ducts are capable of secreting during pregnancy. Elevated levels of prolactin, estrogen and progesterone signals milk secretion, also called lactation. Suckling of the infant results in secretion of oxytocin, which causes the contraction of myoepthelial cells and subsequent excretion of milk by the alveolar units into the lobule toward the nipple, where it collects in the ducts.