WORKSHOP IN HISTOLOGY, CYTOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY - 2016
Chapter 5. SPECIAL HISTOLOGY
Female Reproductive System
Slide 131. Lactating mammary gland.
Staining: hematoxylin and eosin.
Magnification: x80.
At low magnification, we observe the lobules of the gland (1) separated by Connective Tissue septa (2), containing Blood Vessels (3) and excretory ducts (4).
A lobule of the organ is represented by an individual gland. Each gland consists of Glandular Epithelium that forms the secretory units—alveoli (5)—and a system of excretory ducts. The alveoli are lined with a single layer of secretory Cells, or galactocytes (6), which are externally encompassed by myoepithelial cells (7). The latter facilitate the expulsion of milk from the alveoli into the lactiferous ducts.
During Lactation, some alveoli appear distended by the accumulated secretion within their lumens, causing the epithelium to flatten. The lumens of the alveoli from which the secretion has been expelled are reduced in size, and their lining epithelium becomes cuboidal or low columnar.
The excretory ducts originate as intralobular ducts and continue into lactiferous ducts and lactiferous sinuses. Most ducts are lined with Stratified Epithelium (4).
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Slide 131. Lactating mammary gland.
Last update: 07/08/2026
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