Lactiferous duct | |
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![]() The Breast: cross-section scheme of the mammary gland. | |
Details | |
Identifiers | |
Latin | ductus lactiferi, tubulus lactiferi |
TA98 | A16.0.02.010 |
TA2 | 7103 |
FMA | 58006 |
Anatomical terminology |
Lactiferous ducts are ducts that converge and form a branched system connecting the nipple to the lobules of the mammary gland. When lactogenesis occurs, under the influence of hormones, the milk is moved to the nipple by the action of smooth muscle contractions along the ductal system to the tip of the nipple. They are also referred to as galactophores, galactophorous ducts, mammary ducts, mamillary ducts or milk ducts.[1][2]