MH 174a Mammary Gland

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Mammary Glands

Mammary glands are compound, tubulo-alveolar glands whose structure changes depending on the reproductive status of females.

A lactating mammary gland is composed of:

- 15 to 20 lobes separated by of connective tissue with .
- - each lobe is drained by a single lactiferous duct that opens into the nipple. It is lined by a of cuboidal or columnar cells surrounded by a sheath of connective tissue with myoid cells.
Lobules (,) - enclosed by a thin layer of connective tissue.
- - lined by one or two layers of cuboidal cells surrounded by a thin layer of connective tissue.
- Terminal Ductules (,) - branches of intralobular ducts lined with cuboidal secretory cells.
  - During pregnancy, they differentiate into secretory alveoli that produce milk.
- Alveoli (,) - grow and expand during pregnancy and lactation.
  - - cuboidal or columnar secretory cells that synthesis and secrete milk.
  - Milk - the eosinophilic material within the alveolar lumen and ducts is proteins from secreted milk.
- - loose connective tissue with few adipose cells.