Mammary ridge: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 14:23, 21 February 2025

Mammary Ridge[edit]

The mammary ridge, also known as the milk line, is a critical embryological structure in mammals. It is a bilateral line of thickened ectoderm that extends from the axilla (armpit) to the groin on the ventral surface of the developing embryo. This ridge is the precursor to the mammary glands, which are essential for lactation in mammals.

Development[edit]

The development of the mammary ridge begins during the sixth week of embryogenesis. Initially, the ridge appears as a continuous line of thickened ectoderm. As development progresses, the ridge regresses in most areas, except at specific locations where the mammary glands will form. These locations correspond to the future positions of the nipples and areolae.

The mammary ridge is an example of a vestigial structure in humans, as it is more prominent in other mammals that have multiple pairs of mammary glands. In humans, typically only one pair of mammary glands develops, located in the pectoral region.

Clinical Significance[edit]

The mammary ridge is of clinical importance because it can give rise to supernumerary nipples or polymastia, conditions where extra nipples or breast tissue develop along the line of the ridge. These conditions are usually benign but can sometimes be mistaken for other pathologies.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Mammary ridge''' also known as the '''milk line''' or '''mammary line''' is a primitive structure in the embryo that eventually gives rise to the [[mammary gland]]s. It is a thickened band of ectoderm from which the mammary glands develop. The mammary ridge extends from the [[axilla]] (armpit) to the [[groin]] area on both sides of the body.
+== Mammary Ridge ==
-==Etymology==
+The '''mammary ridge''', also known as the '''milk line''', is a critical embryological structure in mammals. It is a bilateral line of thickened ectoderm that extends from the axilla (armpit) to the groin on the ventral surface of the developing embryo. This ridge is the precursor to the mammary glands, which are essential for lactation in mammals.
-The term "mammary" is derived from the Latin word "mamma" which means "breast". The term "ridge" refers to a long, narrow elevated section or a raised strip.
-==Development==
+[[File:Milk_lines.jpg|thumb|right|Diagram showing the location of the mammary ridges in a human embryo.]]
-The mammary ridge appears in the sixth week of embryonic development. It starts as a thickening of the ectoderm, the outermost layer of the embryo. This thickening extends from the axilla to the groin on both sides of the body. The ridge then develops into a series of buds, which eventually form the mammary glands.
-==Related Terms==
+== Development ==
-* [[Ectoderm]]: The outermost layer of cells or tissue of an embryo in early development, or the parts derived from this, which include the epidermis, nerve tissue, and nephridia.
-* [[Mammary gland]]: The milk-producing gland in women and other female mammals, typically paired and each divided into lobes; they are modified sweat glands and are the characteristic of mammals which gave the group its name.
-* [[Axilla]]: The armpit or the cavity beneath the junction of the arm and shoulder.
-* [[Groin]]: The area of the body where the abdomen ends and the legs begin.
-==See Also==
+The development of the mammary ridge begins during the sixth week of embryogenesis. Initially, the ridge appears as a continuous line of thickened ectoderm. As development progresses, the ridge regresses in most areas, except at specific locations where the mammary glands will form. These locations correspond to the future positions of the nipples and areolae.
-* [[Mammary gland development]]
-* [[Embryonic development]]
-* [[Ectoderm]]
-==References==
+The mammary ridge is an example of a [[vestigial structure]] in humans, as it is more prominent in other mammals that have multiple pairs of mammary glands. In humans, typically only one pair of mammary glands develops, located in the pectoral region.
-<references />
+== Clinical Significance ==
+The mammary ridge is of clinical importance because it can give rise to [[supernumerary nipple]]s or [[polymastia]], conditions where extra nipples or breast tissue develop along the line of the ridge. These conditions are usually benign but can sometimes be mistaken for other pathologies.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Mammary gland]]
+* [[Embryogenesis]]
+* [[Supernumerary nipple]]
+* [[Polymastia]]
-[[Category:Anatomy]]
 [[Category:Embryology]]
-{{stub}}
+[[Category:Mammary glands]]