Mammary glands Flashcards
Describe the function and structure of mammary glands
mammary glands are modified sweat glands. they consist of a series of ducts and secretory lobules (15-20). each lobule has many alveoli.
lobe > lactiferous duct > lactiferous sinus > nipple
Describe the function and structure of the connective tissue stroma and the pectorial fascia surrounding the mammary glands.
Connective tissue stroma:
has a fibrous and fatty component. fibrous component condenses to form suspensory ligaments of cooper. function is to:
• Attach and secure the breast to the dermis and underlying pectoral fascia.
• Separate the secretory lobules of the breast.
Pectoral fascia: flat sheet of connective tissue associated with pectoralis major.
There is a layer of loose connective tissue between the breast and pectoral fascia – known as the retromammary space
What hormones are responsible for breast milk production
prolactin and oxytocin
What produces prolactin and when does it steadily increase
anterior pituitary gland
It steadily increases in the blood from pregnancy Week 5 to term.
what controls prolactin levels in the plasma
the dopaminergic system
How does prolactin acts on the human breast to produce milk
binding to mammary epithelial cell receptors, which stimulates synthesis of mRNA of milk proteins.
what does prolactin inhibit
ovulation
what produces oxytocin and how is it initiated
posterior pituitary gland
Suckling at the breast stimulates the PPG to produce and release oxytocin in an intermittent manner.
How does oxytocin acts on the human breast to produce milk
It is responsible for milk ‘let down’ or milk ejection
What is the milk produced for the first several days after delivery
Colostrum
What are Colostrum contents
increased concentration of calcium, potassium, proteins, fat-soluble vitamins, minerals and antibodies.
High conc. of proteins, but low conc. of carbohydrate, lipids and potassium compared to mature milk.
Why is colostrum particularly valuable for infants
Due to its high concentration of antibodies, this milk prevents infection (passive immunity against bacteria/viruses)
when does colostrum transition to mature milk
between day 3 and 7 postpartum
What are the anti-infective agents that colostrum possesses
macrophages, lymphocytes, immunoglobulins (especially IgA), lactoferrin, lysozyme, complement, interferon, oligosaccharides, growth factors, and enzymes.
What does it not provide
Vitamin K- babies get supplement
When does mature milk terminate
until termination of breastfeeding
What is the main carbohydrate in mature milk
Lactose- increases over the duration of breastfeeding
what is the protein present in mature milk
Casein is present but lower than formula milk
what are the lipids present in mature milks
triacyglycerols, phospholipids, fatty acids (including essential fatty acids).
what is an extra molecule that mature milk posesses
energy
what are the differences between formula and breast milk
- Breast milk is microbiologically clean
- Only breast milk provides a range of anti-infective components (e.g. antibodies) to help prevent the baby from infection.
- Breast feeding reduces the risk of GI, respiratory and other infections (otitis media, meningitis, UTIs), SIDS (cot death), childhood lymphomas, early allergic diseases and type1 diabetes.
- Breast milk is always at the right temperature. Whereas bottle feeding requires careful sterilising (cleaning by heat) and temperature control before feeding to the baby.
- Breast milk is more easily digested than formula milk, so the baby is often less constipated and gassy.
What can soy milk cause
it can cause teeth deficiencies due to high glucose levels
What is weaning
the process of getting babies used to eating foods other than milk and using a spoon and cup.
when should the weaning transition occur
4-6 months.
once introduced, solid foods should be given regularly and in increasing quantities.
