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)
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2
Q

Desribe the histology of the nipple and lactiferous glands.

A
  • duct is stratified cuboidal epithelium
  • no hair follicles in this area
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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
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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
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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
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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
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