Description
The mammary glands are located within the breasts and are considered specialized accessory glands of the skin. During puberty in females, the breasts enlarge, mainly due to the deposition of fat, but in part due to the development of the glandular tissue. Mammary glands are functionless in the male breast and normally do not develop.
The mammary glands are comprised of 15–20 lobes radiating from the nipple. Each lobe is surrounded by adipose and dense fibrous tissue that arises from the superficial fascia of the thoracic wall.
Each lobe contains 20–40 terminal lobules that form the functional units of the breast. Lobules are formed by clusters of alveoli that are responsible for the production of milk. A network of lactiferous ducts connects the lobules to the nipple for the secretion of milk to the infant (Ovalle, Nahirney and Netter, 2013).
Related parts of the anatomy
List of Clinical Correlates
- Gynacomastia
- Breast cancer
References
Ovalle, W. K., Nahirney, P. C. and Netter, F. H. (2013) Netter's Essential Histology. ClinicalKey 2012: Elsevier Saunders.
