Mammary Gland Anatomy

Question 1

Where is milk produced and stored within the mammary gland?

Answer 1

Milk is produced by alveoli and stored in the gland cistern

Question 2

What ligament forms the “sling” around the udder?

Answer 2

Lateral suspension ligament

Question 3

What is the function of the streak canal?

Answer 3

Prevent bacterial infection of the udder and keep milk within the udder when closed

Question 4

What hormones inhibit milk letdown?

Answer 4

Catecholamines (ex. Epinephrine)

Question 5

What hormone stimulates milk letdown?

Answer 5

Oxytocin

Question 6

Why is post-dip used on the udder after milking?

Answer 6

To prevent bacteria from entering the teat, preventing infection

Question 7

Describe the milk letdown response

Answer 7

Outside stimulus on the teat sends nerve signals to the hypothalamus so the posterior pituitary releases Oxytocin which promotes contraction of myoeptihelial cells, promoting milk letdown from alveoli to gland cistern, then teat cistern.

Question 8

Divides the udder into right and left halves, located along the center of the udder and can stretch as the gland fills with milk

Answer 8

Median suspensory ligament

Question 9

The udder can weigh around…

Answer 9

100 pounds

Question 10

The gland cistern is separated from the teat cistern by the…

Answer 10

Annular/cricoid fold

Question 11

Hormone that promotes milk production

Answer 11

Prolactin