Endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream to be
transported to various organs and tissues throughout the body. Hormones are the
chemicals that travel through the blood stream. These hormones can regulate
body functions such as temperature, thyroid activity, growth during childhood,
urine production; testosterone, estrogen and progesterone just to name a few. Two endocrine glands that work together are
the hypothalamus gland and the pituitary gland in the stimulation of hormones. The
pituitary gland secretes eight different hormones. These hormones affect many different parts of
the body for example the mammary tissue.
Mammary tissues, also known as
breasts, are located in the male and female body. The pituitary gland plays a
very big role in the changes in function, particularly in females, when
secondary sexual characteristics occur. These
hormones regulate the body's growth, metabolism, sexual development and
function. Oxytocin is a hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary that has
specific target cells. The target cells
for oxytocin are located in the female uterus and breasts. A high level of oxytocin is secreted during
childbirth to aid in uterine contractions and milk production. A transfer of information
from one set of cells to another is coordinated. There are 15 to 20 lobes that contain mammary glands. Oxytocin circulates
by a neuroendocrine reflex that causes contraction of the smooth muscles that
ejects milk. The milk produced by a lactating female is produced within
the mammary alveoli. Breast milk is secreted into a network of mammary ducts
which receive the milk from the mammary alveoli. Near the nipple the duct
expands to allow the flow of milk. The milk leaves the body from the tip of the
nipple. The circular area around the nipple that contrasts in color is the
areola. These glands increase secrete of fluids during lactation. Although males do not bear children or breast
feed, their bodies have oxytocin hormone as well. The presence of the hormone in the male
contributes to their sexual arousal and satisfaction.http://www.medicalook.com/human_anatomy/organs/Mammary_glands.html 2012
Updated by: Shehzad Topiwala, MD, Chief Consultant Endocrinologist, Premier Medical Associates, The Villages, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
2001-12 Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh.]
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