Question

These specialized glands of the skin of females which secretes milk for nourishment of the young

Answer 1

The specialized glands of the skin in females that secrete milk for the nourishment of the young are called **mammary glands.** These glands are responsible for producing and secreting milk in response to hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy and lactation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mammary glands are specialized structures in the breasts of female mammals, including humans. These glands undergo development and changes in response to hormonal signals, particularly estrogen and progesterone. During pregnancy, further hormonal changes, including the influence of prolactin, prepare the mammary glands for lactation.

Upon childbirth, mammary glands begin to produce milk, a complex fluid containing essential nutrients, antibodies, and other substances crucial for the nourishment and immune protection of the newborn. The milk is secreted through ducts within the breasts and is made available to the infant through the nipple during breastfeeding.

The process of lactation is regulated by a feedback mechanism involving the suckling action of the infant, which stimulates the release of prolactin and oxytocin hormones. Prolactin stimulates milk production, while oxytocin triggers the contraction of myoepithelial cells around the mammary gland's alveoli, facilitating the ejection of milk into the ducts for the infant to consume.

Mammary glands play a vital role in the reproductive and nurturing functions of female mammals, providing the means to nourish and care for their offspring.

Answer 2

The mammary glands in females are specialized organs responsible for the secretion of milk, essential for the nourishment of infants. These glands are regulated by hormones and their milk-secreting structures, called lactocytes, deliver milk through a network of ducts to the nipple. Prolactin plays a crucial role in maintaining breast milk supply.

Step-by-step explanation:

The specialized glands in the skin of females which secrete milk for the nourishment of the young are known as mammary glands. These glands are essentially modified sweat glands and are responsible for the production of breast milk. The structure of a lactating breast includes milk-transporting lactiferous ducts, which expand during pregnancy under the influence of hormones such as estrogen, growth hormone, cortisol, and prolactin. As a response to progesterone, clusters of breast alveoli bud from the ducts and these balloon-like structures are lined with milk-secreting cuboidal cells, known as lactocytes. Milk is secreted from the lactocytes and fills the alveoli, being squeezed into the ducts that eventually transport it to the nipple.

Each of the mammary glands is divided into 12-20 lobules, with the milk draining from the lactiferous ducts into sinuses that connect to nipple pores. The process of lactation is initiated by the pituitary hormone prolactin, which regulates breast milk supply and mobilizes maternal micronutrients for breast milk. During nursing, the infant's suckling action facilitates the milk to exit through the nipple, which is surrounded by the areola. The areola features Montgomery glands that secrete oil to protect and lubricate the nipple during breastfeeding.