Lactation Physiology

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Questions and Answers

What are the histological changes in the mammary gland that occur during lactation compared to its inactive state?

Increased amount of adipose tissue

Reduction in the number of lobes

Increased connective tissue density

Development of secretory alveoli (correct)

Which hormonal regulation primarily triggers milk secretion during lactation?

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Estrogen

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Prolactin (correct)

What structural changes occur in the mammary gland during the involution phase after nursing has ceased?

Increase in glandular tissue

Development of more lactiferous ducts

Replacement of secretory cells with adipose tissue (correct)

Formation of new lobules

What is the primary function of lactiferous ducts in the mammary gland?

Transport of milk to the nipple Signup and view all the answers

Which secretion mechanism is primarily responsible for milk expulsion during nursing?

Merocrine secretion Signup and view all the answers

What histological change is most characteristic of the mammary gland during pregnancy compared to its inactive state?

Development of more extensive intralobular ducts Signup and view all the answers

Which structure serves as a storage area for milk between nursing sessions?

Lactiferous sinuses Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the mammary gland during pregnancy compared to its inactive state?

Well-developed glandular elements in lobules Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary functional role of the mammary gland?

Production of milk for infants Signup and view all the answers

Which component is involved in the mechanism of milk secretion?

Terminal tubules and excretory ducts Signup and view all the answers

Which hormones primarily control the secretory activity of the mammary gland during breastfeeding?

Prolactin and pituitary hormones Signup and view all the answers

During involution of the mammary gland, which change occurs?

Reduction in ductal branching Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary histological change observed in the lactating mammary gland?

Reduction of dense irregular connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

Which hormonal action is primarily responsible for initiating lactation?

Prolactin promoting milk production Signup and view all the answers

How does the mammary gland structure differ in males compared to females before puberty?

No detectable difference between genders Signup and view all the answers

What type of gland is the mammary gland classified as?

Compound tubulo-acinar gland Signup and view all the answers

Which type of epithelium primarily lines the inner layer of the terminal ductules?

Simple columnar epithelium Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary tissue filling the spaces between lobules in the mammary gland?

Connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the evolutionary classification of the mammary gland?

Modified apocrine sweat gland Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the secretion mechanism associated with follicular hormones?

Small amounts of secretion occur due to menstrual cycle hormones Signup and view all the answers

Which layer surrounds the lobules of the mammary gland?

Collagenous connective tissue layer Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mammary Gland Functions and Structure

Mammary glands function as lactating glands using merocrine and apocrine secretion to produce milk.
Milk is temporarily stored in lactiferous ducts and expelled during nursing through smooth muscle in the nipple.
Sebaceous glands are abundant around the nipple area, contributing to skin lubrication.
The gland reverts to an inactive state once nursing ceases.
Age-related changes result in adipose tissue being replaced by dense irregular connective tissue.
Pathological changes can lead to the development of mammary carcinomas.

Histological Components of the Mammary Gland

Identify structures associated with the nipple and areola: lobes, lobules, secretory alveoli (acini), and lactiferous ducts.
Learn the organization into interlobular and intralobular connective tissue.
Differences in histology observed in adult females: inactive (before pregnancy), active (during pregnancy), and lactating (after pregnancy).

Development and Hormonal Regulation

The mammary gland is a modified apocrine sweat gland that develops under the influence of estrogen while testosterone inhibits development in males.
Before puberty, mammary gland structures in males and females are indistinguishable.
Secretory activity during pregnancy and lactation is controlled by hormones such as prolactin from the pituitary gland and ovarian hormones.

Structural Changes During Life Stages

In an inactive mammary gland:
- Glandular tissue is underdeveloped; primarily consists of duct elements.
- Terminal ductules connect to intralobular ducts leading to larger ducts.
During pregnancy:
- Glandular elements become more developed with reduced interlobular connective tissue.
In a lactating mammary gland:
- Very little interlobular connective tissue remains, indicating high secretory activity.

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Description

This quiz explores the physiological changes of the mammary gland post-birth, focusing on its lactating functions and secretion mechanisms. Learn about the roles of merocrine and apocrine secretion in milk production, as well as the gland's structure and changes over time.