Question

With a suitable diagram, describe the organisation of the mammary gland.

Answer 1

Internal structure of Mammary glands:

Internal structure of Mammary glands includes the following :

• The glandular tissue of each mammary gland consists of 15 - 20 lobes called mammary lobes.
• Each lobe contains clusters of milk secreting glands called alveoli.
• The milk secreted by the alveoli is stored in the cavities of alveoli.
• The alveoli then opens to mammary lobules.
• Mammary lobules of each lobe join to form a mammary duct.
• Mammary ducts expand near the nipple to form the mammary ampulla (lactiferous sinus).
• From mammary ampulla milk goes to the lactiferous duct.
• Lactiferous ducts carry milk to the exterior during the suckling of the baby

External structure of Mammary glands:

• 15 to 20 lactiferous ducts pierce the nipple.
• The pigmented region surrounding the nipple is called areola.
• Nipple and areola are the external structures of the mammary gland.