The Breast Flashcards
What type of gland is the breast?
Modified apocrine sweat gland
By which type of secretion is milk released from the breast?
Apocrine secretion
What is the role of myoepithelial cells in mammary glands?
Line mammary glands, contract to push milk through the lactiferous duct and through the nipple pores
What duct does milk leave the mammary gland in?
Lactiferous duct
Through which structure of the breast does milk leave?
Nipple pores
What are the brown circles around the nipples called?
Areolae
What is the function of the areolae?
Secrete lipoid fluid from areolar gland to moisturise the nipple
The breast is supported by…
Suspensory ligaments
What happens during lactation once a baby begins suckling?
Mechano-receptors in the nipple stimulated, signal sent to the hypothalamus
Signal from hypothalamus to the posterior pituitary —> oxytcin released
Signal from hypothalamus to anterior pituitary —> prolactin inhibiting hormone inactivated —> prolactin released
What effect does the release of oxytocin have?
Stimulates myoepithelial cells to eject milk
What effect does the release of prolactin have?
Stimulates the production of milk
Prolactin is released in the…
Anterior pituitary
Oxytocin is released in the…
Posterior pituitary
What hormones are responsible for breast development during puberty?
Oestrogen
Progesterone
Breasts are finally matured during…
First pregnancy
