Final answer:
The oil-producing glands in the breasts, known as Montgomery glands, lubricate and protect the nipple, preventing chapping during breastfeeding. They also keep the nipple clean.
Step-by-step explanation:
The oil-producing glands in the breasts, known as the Montgomery glands, serve an important protective and nurturing function during lactation.
These glands secrete oils that lubricate and protect the skin of the areola and nipple, helping to prevent chapping and cracking.
This is crucial for a comfortable breastfeeding experience. The Montgomery glands are present in the areola surrounding the nipple and they become more prominent during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The oil secretion also helps to cleanse the nipple opening, keeping it free from infection and making it a safe source of nourishment for the infant.
Breast milk is provided by the mammary glands, which are structures within the breasts that undergo significant changes during pregnancy and lactation due to hormones such as estrogen, growth hormone, cortisol, and prolactin, as well as progesterone which stimulates alveolar development.
The overall structure of the lactating breast includes the lobules, with alveoli where milk production occurs, and the lactiferous ducts through which milk flows to reach the nipple pores for the infant to suckle.
The mammary glands operate in conjunction with hormonal signals, particularly oxytocin, which causes milk to flow in response to infant suckling in a positive feedback loop.