Question

Mammary glands are modified:

• A. Sebaceous glands
• B. Salivary glands
• C. Lacrimal glands
• D. Sweat glands

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Sweat glands

The correct option is D.

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Structurally, mammary glands are simply modified sweat glands. But functionally, the mammary glands produce milk (lactation), life-saving nutrition for newborn babies allowing the human race to evolve and flourish.
2. Other examples of modified apocrine sweat glands include the wax-producing ceruminous glands of the external auditory meatus and the Moll glands found at the free margins of the eyelids.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. The sebaceous gland contributes the vast majority of skin surface lipids via its main product, sebum, which helps to seal in moisture and prevent desiccation of the skin.
2. Sebum's lubricating function provides protection to the skin against friction and makes it more impervious to moisture.

Option B:

1. Salivary glands play an important role in digestion as they help in saliva production.
2. Saliva helps moisten food forming bolus, so we can swallow it more easily. It also has an enzyme called amylase or salivary amylase or ptyalin (pH 6.5 to 7.5) that makes it easier for the stomach to break down the starch present in the food.
3. Saliva also has an important role in our oral health. It prevents infections in the mouth and throat by the action of the enzyme lysozyme. It also helps to maintain healthy teeth and prevent bad breath.

Option C:

1. The lacrimal gland is located within the orbit above the lateral end of the eye and continually releases a fluid that cleanses and protects the eye's surface.

Final Answer: Mammary glands are modified sweat glands.