1. Mammary glands are accessory organs of female reproductive system. These glands are essential for lactation after parturition.
2. They are modified sweat glands present in the subcutaneous tissue of the anterior thorax. They are in the pectoral region in the location between 2nd to 6th rib.
3. Each mammary gland consists of fatty connective tissue and many lactiferous ducts.
4. Each breast has glandular tissue which is divided into 15-20 irregularly shaped mammary lobes. Each lobe has an alveolar glands and lactiferous duct.
5. Milk is secreted by alveolar glands and it is stored in the lumen of alveoli. The alveoli open into mammary tubules and these in turn forms a mammary duct.
6. All the lactiferous ducts converge towards the nipple.
7. Nipple is surrounded by a dark brown coloured and circular area of the skin called areola.
