BIOL204 Lecture 24 Section C (Final)

What is the difference between breast and mammary gland?

the mammary gland is the milk producing gland itself while the breast gland is a mound of tissue overlying the pectoralis major muscle

What is the name of the muscle situated beneath the breast?

pectoralis major

Is breast size determined by the amount of adipose tissue or the number of mammary glands present in each breast?

by the amount of adipose tissue

What is the function of the suspensory ligaments in the breast?

maintaining breast shape and support the breast tissue from the chest wall

Where are the lactiferous ducts and what purpose do they serve?

tiny tubes within the breast tissue that transport breast milk to the nipples

What are lactiferous sinuses and where are they located?

temporary widenings of the lactiferous ducts within the breast that occur during lactation to accomodate increased milk flow

How do lobules differ from lobes within the mammary gland?

lobules are formed by clusters of alveoli where milk production takes place; lobes are larger milk production sections within the breast

What do the lobules of the mammary gland contain?

alveoli clusters

What is meant by alveoli concerning the mammary gland?

sac-like structures where milk production happens

What types of cells are present in the alveoli of the mammary gland?

milk-secreting cuboidal cells surrounded by myoepithelial cells

Which cells found in the alveoli of the mammary gland are responsible for milk production?

alveolar epithelial cells

Which cells help with milk secretion from the alveoli?

myoepithelial cells

Where do the alveoli drain milk after production?

secreted into the lumen of the central cavity of the alveolus

What are terminal end buds and when do they form?

tiny , bulb-like structures formed at the tips of the ductal tree within the mammary gland during puberty

What is the function of TEBs within the mammary gland?

sites where new ductal branches sprout and elongate during mammary gland development

What are alveolar buds and when do they appear in the mammary gland?

small bulges that appear on the terminal ducts at puberty and mark the beginning of the alveoli formation process

Which hormone is crucial in facilitating ductal elongation, branching of existing ducts, and the emergence of alveolar buds at puberty?

estrogens

What happens within the mammary gland during pregnancy?

alveologenesis and lactogenic differentiation

What hormones stimulate alveologenesis and lactogenic differentiation?

progesterone, placental lactogens, and prolactin

What happens within the mammary gland during lactation?

alveoli are fully matured and the epithelial cells are able to synthesize and secrete milk components into the lumen

If a woman discontinues breastfeeding her baby, does she retain alveoli throughout her life thereafter?

yes but milk production stops

Do men contain mammary glands?

yes but they do not have lobules or alveoli and they don't develop

What is alveologenesis?

the formation and development of alveoli

What is the process of lactogenic differentiation?

the transformation of epithelial cells within the alveoli to become specialized for milk production

Can a non-pregnant woman produce breast milk?

no

Can a pregnant woman produce breast milk during the first trimester of pregnancy?

no

Define lactation

the process by which mammals produce milk to feed their young

What stimulates the secretion of prolactin and oxytocin during lactation?

the sucking of the baby at the breast

Which gland secretes prolactin and oxytocin?

pituitary gland

How do oxytocin and prolactin collaborate during lactation?

prolactin stimulates milk production and oxytocin triggers milk release

If a mother neither breastfeeds nor pumps breast milk for several weeks, would she still be able to produce milk?

it would decrease significantly or dry up completely

What is colostrum?

thick, yellowish fluid produced by the mammary glands in the first few days

What are the differences in composition between colostrum and milk?

colostrum contains more protein, immunoglobulins, vitamin A, and minerals than does true milk