Mammary Glands

Question 1

What are mammary glands?

Answer 1

• organs in female mammals that produce milk to feed young offspring

Question 2

Where are the mammary glands situated in humans?

Answer 2

• in the breasts

Question 3

What are the mammary glands made up of?

Answer 3

• milk-secreting cells

Question 4

What is lactation?

Answer 4

• milk production

Question 5

How do milk glands and ducts come about?

Answer 5

• during pregnancy, oestrogen and progesterone stimulate the growth and development of the milk glands and milk ducts in the breasts

Question 6

What happens after birth regarding lactation?

Answer 6

• the hormone prolactin from the pituitary gland stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk

Question 7

What causes the release of milk from the mammary glands?

Answer 7

• the hormone oxytocin

Question 8

Why is breast milk favoured above bottle feeding?

Answer 8

• contains antibodies which can help a baby fight infection
• contains all the nutrients in perfect proportions for optimal growth
• is cheap and easy as there are no bottles to sterilise or tins to buy