Lactating cells
The alveolar gland also (milk bubbles alveoli) are located in the acini, which in turn form the lobules. Lobules are part of the glandular tissue and thus form the bulk of a plurality of Mammarkomplexen composite mammary glands .
construction
Alveoli have a single-layer epithelium . This is cylindrical when empty and flattened when filled.
functionality
The epithelium constricts its cell tops during milk production and releases them into the lumen (alveolar cavities) ( apocrine secretion ) . With the help of the arteries and veins, nutrients (water, vitamins, minerals) that pass through the cell membrane reach the alveoli.
Certain milk components are synthesized by the secretion cells of the alveolar epithelium. The synthesized substances ( milk sugar , milk fat , milk protein ) collect in the cytoplasm of the secretion cell and are then pressed into the lumen. Here the further flow into the milk ducts is prevented by capillary and adhesive forces .
The alveoli, milk ducts and cisterns of the mammary gland form the basis of milk storage.