Updated by: Arabinda Naik
Greater vestibular glands (Bartholin’s glands): On either side of vaginal orifice there is a pair of Bartholin’s glands. This gland secretes a clear, viscous fluid which works as a lubricating agent during copulation.
Lesser vestibular glands: These numerous minute glands are present on either side of the urethral orifice and secrete mucus.
Mammary Gland or Breast:
At puberty in females, they begin to develop under the influence of estrogen and progesterone hormones. Mammary glands are a paired structure containing glandular tissue and fat. The amount of fat can vary from person to person. They are commonly known as breasts. Each glandular tissue in each breast is divided into 15-20 mammary lobes in each breast. Each lobe is made up of grapelike clusters of milk secreting structure called mammary alveoli. These cells secrete milk. When milk is produced it passes from alveoli into mammary tubules and then into the mammary ducts. Near the nipple mammary ducts expand to form mammary ampullae where some milk may be stored before going to lactiferous ducts. Each lactiferous duct carries milk to the exterior which opens in the nipple of the female from where the milk is sucked out by the baby.
The hormone prolactin secreted by the pituitary gland controls the release of milk from the breast. The ejection of milk is stimulated by the hormone oxytocin released from the pituitary gland. The breast is externally covered with skin and in the center, there is a nipple made of erectile tissue. Nipple is surrounded by a pigmented area called areola. Areola has numerous sebaceous glands called areolar glands. Human milk is made of organic, inorganic compounds and water. Milk is poor in iron. It consists of fat droplets, lactase, casein, vitamins and minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate, etc. Glandular, fibrous, and adipose tissues constitute the mammary glands.
i. Glandular Tissue:
This tissue consists of around 20 lobes and each lobe has 15-20 lobules. Each lobule is made of a group of glandular alveoli and units to form a lactiferous duct. These ducts expand to form lactiferous sinuses which store milk during lactation. Each sinus opens to the outside by narrow ducts which are 0.5 mm (about 0.02 in) in diameter.
ii. Adipose Tissue:
The surface of the gland is covered by adipose tissue. It is also found between the lobes. The size of the breast is determined by adipose tissue.
iii. Fibrous Tissue:
Glandular tissues and ducts get support from this tissue.