Mamma

The Mamma are specialized exocrine glands responsible for producing and secreting milk to nourish offspring. They are considered modified sweat glands and are present in both male and female mammals, though they typically develop fully and become functional only in females.

Each Mamma comprises:

• the glandular tissue, consisting of lobes and lobules that contain alveoli, the milk-secreting units.

• the ductal system, transporting milk from the alveoli to the teat.

• the connective tissue stroma, providing structural support and housing blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves.

• the nipple (papilla), the external projection through which milk is delivered to the offspring.

Mammary gland development begins embryonically along the "milk lines," which extend bilaterally from the axillary to the inguinal regions. These lines give rise to mammary buds that differentiate into functional glands under hormonal influences during puberty and pregnancy.

Variations:

• Cattles, possess an udder comprising four separate mammary glands, each with its own teat;

• Dogs, typically have 8 to 12 mammary glands arranged in two rows along the ventral surface;

• Cats, usually have 8 mammary glands, with four on each side;

• Horses, have two mammary glands located in the inguinal region, each with a single teat.

These anatomical differences are adaptations to the nursing needs and litter sizes of each species.