Lactation Flashcards
what is the mammary gland
milk secreting structure
- teat
- duct system
- lobes
what is the udder
complex organ made up of a series of systems
what are the different systems in the udder
supportive system
secretory system
duct system
blood, lymph and nerve systems
describe the udder of a cow
- two separate halves
- 4 separate mammary glands
- it is an exocrine gland
When is the greatest growth of the udder and when does the growing stop
- greatest growth between 1st and 2nd lactation
2. stops growing after 5 years of age
describe 4 things about the mammary gland
- specialized skin glands
- produce colostrum
- present in males and females
- number and appearance differs among species
what are the 2 parts of the mammary gland support system and describe them
- Lateral Suspensory Ligament (LSL)
- extends along both sides of udder to midline
- connects to MSL - Medial Suspensory Ligament ( MSL)
- provides most support and elasticity
- creates 2 distinct halves between left and right
in what species do two glands drain to 1 teat
sows (10-14 teats)
mares (2 teats)
queens (10 teats)
bitches (8-12 teats)
what is a function of a teat besides excretion of milk
main barrier against infection
how many glands per teat in cows and ewes
1 gland per teat
what are the 6 parts of a mammary gland
- streak canal
- teat cistern
- gland cistern
- duct system
- lobule
- alveoli
what is the streak canal
first part of the teat
- milk passes before expulsion
- keratin plug will form to prevent entrance of bacteria
- surrounded by teat sphincter muscle to prevent leaking
what is the teat cistern
- storage of milk prior to suckling or milking
2. holds 100-400 mL of milk
what is the gland cistern
common pooling area for milk from duct system
what is the duct system
- TRANSPORTS milk from lobule to gland cistern
- consists of 1st and 2nd degree ducts
- non secretory
what is the lobule
each lobule contains 150 to 220 alveoli
This is the place where milk is actually produces