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describe the mamary glands

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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. Normal structure of the Mammary gland

Mammary glands or breasts are actually sweat glands that have been modified according to hormonal stimulation. Male and female breasts are different due to the different hormonal stimulation that occurs with each gender. The presence of the female hormone estrogen is responsible for the growth and development of the female breasts. In most males, the glandular tissue within the breast remains rudimentary.The breast tissues comprises ducts or tubes that carry milk into the nipple. In females, there are fine branching ductules or smaller tubules that lead to the nipple where the tips of the ducts meet. At the ends of the ducts are the milk secreting alveoli. The ducts and the glandular tissues are surrounded by connective tissue called stroma aswell as fatty or adipose tissue. This nipple is surrounded by a darker pigmented circular area called the areola.

As a girl reaches puberty, the mammary gland continues to grow during every menstrual cycle. When the levels of estrogen are high, the ducts proliferate or multiply until full growth is achieved.


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