MAMMAE Meaning and
Definition
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Mammae is the plural form of the word "mamma," which refers to the anatomical structures present in female mammals that produce milk for nourishing their young. These structures are specialized mammary glands responsible for lactation, found in varying numbers depending on the species.
In most mammals, including humans, mammae are typically two in number, located on the chest region or breasts. They are composed of glandular tissue that develops during puberty under the influence of hormonal changes, particularly estrogen. The primary function of mammae is to provide a source of nutrition for newborn offspring after birth, ensuring their growth and survival.
Mammae are characterized by certain key features, such as the presence of milk ducts, which transport milk from the glandular tissue to the nipple, allowing the offspring to feed. The nipple is often surrounded by a pigmented area called the areola. Additionally, mammae may differ in size, shape, and number between species, with some animals having multiple pairs of mammae.
The study of mammalian mammae and their associated structures falls under the field of mammology, a branch of zoology. Understanding the development, structure, and function of mammae is important in veterinary medicine, reproductive biology, and human health, particularly breastfeeding and lactation.
Common Misspellings for MAMMAE
Etymology of MAMMAE
The word "mammae" is derived from the Latin word "mamma", which means "breast" or "teat". It is the plural form of "mamma", used to refer to the milk-secreting organs found in female mammals. The term has been adapted into various languages with slight variations, such as "mammary glands" in English, "mama" or "mamá" in Spanish, and "maman" in French.
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