Areolar gland
Areolar gland
The Areolar gland (pronounced: /ˌærɪˈoʊlər ˈɡlænd/), also known as Glands of Montgomery, is a type of sebaceous gland found in the areola surrounding the nipple. The areolar glands are named after the Irish obstetrician, William Fetherstone Montgomery, who first described them in 1837.
Etymology
The term "areolar" is derived from the Latin word "areola", meaning "open space", while "gland" comes from the Latin "glandula", meaning "small acorn". The term "Montgomery" is an eponym, named after the aforementioned Irish obstetrician.
Function
The areolar glands secrete an oily substance that lubricates and protects the nipple during breastfeeding. This substance also has antibacterial properties, which help to prevent infections. The number of areolar glands can vary greatly from person to person, ranging from 4 to 28 per areola.
Related Terms
- Sebaceous gland: A small gland in the skin which secretes a lubricating oily matter (sebum) into the hair follicles to lubricate the skin and hair.
- Areola: The pigmented area on the human breast around the nipple.
- Nipple: The projection of skin and mammary gland that is used for breastfeeding.
- Breastfeeding: The process of feeding a mother's breast milk to her infant.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Areolar gland
- Wikipedia's article - Areolar gland
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