Lactiferous sinuses

Definition

Lactiferous sinuses are specialized cavities located within the mammary glands that store milk before it is released during breastfeeding. These sinuses serve as reservoirs, allowing for a temporary holding of milk produced by the mammary glands, which is essential for efficient nursing. During lactation, when a baby suckles, the pressure stimulates the release of milk from these sinuses through the lactiferous ducts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lactiferous sinuses are found just beneath the nipple and are connected to the lactiferous ducts that transport milk from the glands.
2. Each lactiferous sinus can hold a small volume of milk, allowing for a steady supply during breastfeeding sessions.
3. The presence of these sinuses helps facilitate a more efficient feeding process, reducing the effort needed by the infant to extract milk.
4. During a feeding, hormonal signals such as oxytocin are released, which cause the muscles around the lactiferous sinuses to contract and expel milk.
5. In some cases, blockages or infections in the lactiferous sinuses can lead to conditions like mastitis, causing pain and difficulty in breastfeeding.

Review Questions

• How do lactiferous sinuses function in the context of milk storage and release during breastfeeding?
  • Lactiferous sinuses act as storage areas for milk produced by mammary glands, allowing it to accumulate before being released during breastfeeding. When a baby suckles at the breast, pressure is applied which triggers hormonal responses that lead to contractions in the surrounding muscles. This action forces milk from the sinuses through the lactiferous ducts and out through the nipple, making it accessible for feeding.
• Discuss the role of hormones in regulating the function of lactiferous sinuses during lactation.
  • Hormones like oxytocin play a crucial role in regulating the function of lactiferous sinuses during lactation. When a baby suckles, sensory nerves send signals to the brain to release oxytocin from the posterior pituitary gland. This hormone causes myoepithelial cells around the lactiferous sinuses to contract, resulting in milk ejection. This mechanism ensures that enough milk is available for the infant while maintaining an effective feeding process.
• Evaluate how issues with lactiferous sinuses can impact breastfeeding success and maternal health.
  • Problems with lactiferous sinuses, such as blockages or infections like mastitis, can significantly hinder breastfeeding success and impact maternal health. Blocked sinuses can lead to painful swelling and decreased milk flow, making it difficult for infants to obtain adequate nutrition. In severe cases, infections may require medical treatment and could discourage mothers from continuing to breastfeed. Understanding these potential issues is crucial for promoting healthy breastfeeding practices and maternal well-being.

Related terms

Mammary Glands: Glands located in the breasts that are responsible for milk production and secretion during lactation.

Lactation: The biological process of producing and secreting milk from the mammary glands to feed infants.

Milk Ejection Reflex: The physiological response triggered by suckling that causes the contraction of myoepithelial cells, leading to the release of milk from the lactiferous sinuses.