Female Histology 7 Flashcards
Identify the histological features related to the production and secretion of milk by the mammary gland.
1
Q
What is the structure of the breast?
A
- many lobes of tubulo-alveolar glands with fat and loose/dense irregular c.t.
- each lobe has a lactiferous duct
- opens to the nipple
- each duct has a lactiferous sinus (a dilation)
2
Q
Desribe the histology of the nipple and lactiferous glands.
A
- duct is stratified cuboidal epithelium
- no hair follicles in this area
3
Q
Describe the histology of an inactive mammary gland.
A
- all duct elements in loose connective tissue
- no secretory end pieces
- surrounded by dense irregular connective tissue
- largest ducts are stratified cuboidal/columnar epithelium
- smallest ducts are simple cuboidal
4
Q
Describe the histology of breast tissue during the proliferative phase.
A
- Proliferate in response to estrogen (ducts) and progesterone (secretory end pieces)
- Continues during pregnancy
5
Q
Describe the histology of lactating mammary glands.
A
- Fat and connective tissue almost completely replaced by glandular elements
- Secretory end pieces are distended with milk
- Secretory cells are responsible for milk production and release
6
Q
Describe the process of milk secretion.
A
- milk accumulates in the lumen
- ejected by contraction of myoepithelial cells in response to oxytocin (from posterior pituitary gland)
- myoepithelial cells are of ectodermal origin
- enclosed within the epithelial basal lamina