Lactation

Question 1

Describe mammary glands
-what they are
-what they produce

Answer 1

Mammary glands are modified sweat glands that produce milk (lactation) to support neonatal development.

Mammary glands develop in both sexes, but only female mammary glands are functional.

Hormones produced during late gestation are essential for final development

Question 2

briefly describe the mammary gland macroscopic structure
-where they are with species examples

Answer 2

Cows = udders having quarters (40/60 between front and rear)
ewes - halves

Question 3

Benefit of having multiple mammary glands?

Answer 3

-feed multiple offspring at once
-function independently (can have more frequent nursing bouts)
-evolutionary backup - e.g infection etc (one will double the amount in the functional one)

Question 4

Briefly the macroscopic structure

Answer 4

Parenchyma - secretory tissue (arranged in lobes, lobules, alveoli)

Duct system
1. small
2. large
3. gland cistern

Teat/nipple

Question 5

Describe the macroscopic structure of the teat

Answer 5