Mammary glands

Definition

Mammary glands are specialized organs in mammals responsible for producing and secreting milk to nourish newborns. They are part of the reproductive system and undergo significant changes during pregnancy and lactation.

Related terms

Lactation: The process by which mammary glands produce and secrete milk following childbirth.

Estrogen:

A hormone that plays a key role in the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the regulation of the menstrual cycle; it also prepares the mammary glands for milk production.

Prolactin:

A hormone released by the pituitary gland that stimulates milk production in the mammary glands after childbirth