Udder
Udder
Udder (/ˈʌdər/) is a term used in veterinary anatomy. It refers to the mammary gland of female quadruped mammals, particularly ruminants such as cattle, goats, sheep, and deer. The udder is a single mass hanging beneath the animal, consisting of pairs of mammary glands. In cattle, there are usually four pairs, while in sheep and goats, there is usually only one pair.
Etymology
The term "udder" originates from the Old English "ūder" and is related to the Old High German "ūtar", both of which derive from the Proto-Germanic "*ūdrą", meaning "udder". The word is of Proto-Indo-European origin, from the root "*ǵʰeu-" meaning "to pour, to milk".
Anatomy
The udder is made up of mammary glands, which are responsible for the production of milk. Each gland is divided into a system of ducts, which converge to form a single canal known as the teat. The teat is where milk is expelled during lactation. The udder's size and shape can vary greatly among species, and even among individuals within a species.
Related Terms
- Mammary gland: The milk-producing gland in mammals. It is a distinguishing feature of mammals, but it is often most extensively developed in the female of the species.
- Teat: A projection from the udder of a mammal from which milk flows or is ejected for the purpose of feeding young.
- Lactation: The process of producing milk from the mammary glands. It occurs in all female mammals after they have given birth.
- Ruminant: A type of mammal that digests plant-based food by initially softening it in its first stomach, then regurgitating the semi-digested mass and chewing it again.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Udder
- Wikipedia's article - Udder
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