Mammary Gland
Like other organs in the female reproductive system, the mammary gland responds to hormonal changes with marked structural structures.
- Pathology. The high incidence (and mortality) of breast cancer gives special clinical significance to this organ. For some images of breast cancer and fibrocystic changes, see WebPath (search for "breast"). For essays treating issues related breast cancer, see Ira Pilgrim. (Also see "benign breast pathology" and other cancer research at UCDavis.) Difficulties in accurate diagnosis of breast cancer (especially ductal carcinoma in situ) were reported by Stephanie Saul in The New York Times, 19 July 2010.
In
the inactive state, mammary gland tissue appears to consist of ducts
only, separated by extensive fibrous and adipose connective tissue stroma.
Adipose tissue is concentrated between lobules.
During
pregnancy and lactation, the ducts extend and their secretory ends enlarge.
Secretory cells acquire large, lipid-containing vesicles that resemble
mucous cells (although the secretory product is milk, not mucous). Organization
is not as precise (no neat alveoli) as in most other large exocrine glands.
Myoepithelial cells surround the secretory units and, under neural stimulation, forcibly expel their contents.
- For a images of myoepithelial cells, see Modern Pathology, U. Delaware Histology, or "benign breast pathology" at UCDavis.
Bands of smooth muscle may be found in subcutaneous breast tissue, especially in the vicinity of the nipple.