Question

Milk glands are characteristics of
A. All vertebrates
B. All mammals
C. Only placental mammals
D. Only primates and ruminants

Answer 1

Mammary glands produce milk in female mammals. Each gland contains a series of lobules that produce milk. They connect the ductal lobes with lactiferous ducts.

Complete Answer:
- In female mammals the mammary gland is present in the breast. Mammary gland is responsible for lactation. Both male and female have glandular tissue in the breast but in females the glandular tissue develops after puberty to release estrogen hormone. Main function of the mammary gland is to produce milk after child birth. Progesterone and prolactin hormones are released during pregnancy.
- Progesterone prevents the mammary glands from lactating. This milk is rich in antibodies and nutrients for infants. After child birth progesterone level decreases and prolactin level remains increases. This signals the mammary gland begins to lactate.
- The mammary gland is the modified sweat gland located on the anterior thoracic wall. Mammary glands contain an epithelial bilayer contained within active adipose tissue. The cells have support of loose framework of dense fibrous connective tissue called cooper ligaments.
- Most of the changes come in the mammary gland during menstrual cycle and pregnancy for the preparation of lactation. The function of the mammary gland is regulated by hormones. Stimulation of estrogen hormone develops glandular tissue in the female breast. This hormone is also responsible for increment of breast in females

Note: At the time of menopause the tissues of ductile become fibrous and degenerate. This is because the mammary gland shrinks and the glands losses the ability to produce milk.