Mammary alveolus: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 16:31, 16 February 2025

Mammary Alveolus[edit]

The mammary alveolus is a small cavity or sac found in the mammary glands of mammals. It is the site of milk production and secretion, playing a crucial role in the process of lactation. Each alveolus is lined with a single layer of epithelial cells that are responsible for the synthesis and secretion of milk.

Structure[edit]

The mammary alveolus is a spherical structure composed of secretory epithelial cells. These cells are surrounded by a network of myoepithelial cells and a basement membrane. The myoepithelial cells contract in response to the hormone oxytocin, facilitating the ejection of milk into the ductal system.

The alveoli are organized into clusters known as lobules, which are connected to the lactiferous ducts. These ducts transport milk from the alveoli to the nipple, where it can be accessed by the nursing infant.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the mammary alveolus is the production and secretion of milk. This process is regulated by a complex interplay of hormones, including prolactin, estrogen, and progesterone. During pregnancy, these hormones stimulate the growth and development of the alveoli, preparing the mammary glands for lactation.

After childbirth, the hormone prolactin promotes milk synthesis, while oxytocin triggers the milk ejection reflex, also known as the "let-down" reflex. This reflex is essential for the delivery of milk to the infant during breastfeeding.

Development[edit]

The development of the mammary alveolus begins during puberty, when increased levels of estrogen stimulate the growth of the mammary glands. During pregnancy, further hormonal changes lead to the proliferation and differentiation of alveolar cells, resulting in the formation of fully functional alveoli capable of producing milk.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Understanding the structure and function of the mammary alveolus is important in the context of breastfeeding and breast health. Conditions such as mastitis, galactorrhea, and breast cancer can affect the alveoli and impact milk production and secretion.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Mammary alveolus''' is a small cavity or sac found in the [[mammary gland]] of mammals. It is the basic unit of milk production and is lined by [[epithelial cells]] that secrete milk.
+== Mammary Alveolus ==
-==Etymology==
+[[File:Breast_anatomy_normal_scheme.png|thumb|right|Diagram of breast anatomy showing the mammary alveolus]]
-The term "alveolus" is derived from the Latin word "alveus", which means "small cavity" or "hollow". The term "mammary" is derived from the Latin word "mamma", which means "breast".
-==Structure==
+The '''mammary alveolus''' is a small cavity or sac found in the [[mammary gland]]s of mammals. It is the site of milk production and secretion, playing a crucial role in the process of [[lactation]]. Each alveolus is lined with a single layer of [[epithelial cells]] that are responsible for the synthesis and secretion of milk.
-Mammary alveoli are spherical in shape and are surrounded by a network of [[myoepithelial cells]]. These cells contract under the influence of the hormone [[oxytocin]], causing milk to be ejected into the ducts and then to the nipple.
-Each alveolus is lined by a single layer of epithelial cells, which are responsible for the secretion of milk. These cells are supported by a basement membrane and are surrounded by a network of capillaries, which supply the cells with nutrients and remove waste products.
+== Structure ==
-==Function==
+The mammary alveolus is a spherical structure composed of secretory epithelial cells. These cells are surrounded by a network of [[myoepithelial cells]] and a basement membrane. The myoepithelial cells contract in response to the hormone [[oxytocin]], facilitating the ejection of milk into the ductal system.
-The primary function of the mammary alveolus is the production and secretion of milk. This process is regulated by several hormones, including [[prolactin]], which stimulates milk production, and oxytocin, which triggers the contraction of myoepithelial cells and the release of milk.
-==Related Terms==
+The alveoli are organized into clusters known as [[lobules]], which are connected to the [[lactiferous ducts]]. These ducts transport milk from the alveoli to the [[nipple]], where it can be accessed by the nursing infant.
-* [[Mammary gland]]: The organ in mammals that produces milk to feed young offspring.
-* [[Epithelial cells]]: The cells that line the surfaces of organs and structures throughout the body.
-* [[Myoepithelial cells]]: The cells that form a layer around the alveoli and ducts in the mammary gland.
-* [[Oxytocin]]: A hormone that plays a role in social bonding, sexual reproduction, childbirth, and the period after childbirth.
-* [[Prolactin]]: A hormone produced in the pituitary gland that stimulates milk production.
-[[Category:Anatomy]]
+== Function ==
-[[Category:Mammalian anatomy]]
-[[Category:Breast]]
+The primary function of the mammary alveolus is the production and secretion of milk. This process is regulated by a complex interplay of hormones, including [[prolactin]], [[estrogen]], and [[progesterone]]. During pregnancy, these hormones stimulate the growth and development of the alveoli, preparing the mammary glands for lactation.
-{{stub}}
+After childbirth, the hormone prolactin promotes milk synthesis, while oxytocin triggers the milk ejection reflex, also known as the "let-down" reflex. This reflex is essential for the delivery of milk to the infant during breastfeeding.
+== Development ==
+The development of the mammary alveolus begins during [[puberty]], when increased levels of estrogen stimulate the growth of the mammary glands. During pregnancy, further hormonal changes lead to the proliferation and differentiation of alveolar cells, resulting in the formation of fully functional alveoli capable of producing milk.
+== Clinical Significance ==
+Understanding the structure and function of the mammary alveolus is important in the context of [[breastfeeding]] and [[breast health]]. Conditions such as [[mastitis]], [[galactorrhea]], and [[breast cancer]] can affect the alveoli and impact milk production and secretion.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Mammary gland]]
+* [[Lactation]]
+* [[Breast anatomy]]
+* [[Breastfeeding]]
+{{Anatomy}}
+[[Category:Breast anatomy]]
+[[Category:Mammary gland]]