Question

Identify the correct path of milk secretion by the mammary glands.

• A. Alveoli $\rightarrow$ mammary duct $\rightarrow$ ampulla $\rightarrow$ mammary tubule $\rightarrow$ lactiferous ducts
• B. Alveoli $\rightarrow$ mammary tubules $\rightarrow$ mammary duct $\rightarrow$ ampulla $\rightarrow$ lactiferous ducts
• C. Alveoli $\rightarrow$ ampulla $\rightarrow$ mammary duct $\rightarrow$ mammary tubules $\rightarrow$ lactiferous ducts
• D. Alveoli $\rightarrow$ lactiferous ducts $\rightarrow$ mammary duct $\rightarrow$ ampulla $\rightarrow$ mammary tubule

Hint:

A highly useful mnemonic for the pathway is AT-DAL: Alveoli $\rightarrow$ Tubules $\rightarrow$ Duct $\rightarrow$ Ampulla $\rightarrow$ Lactiferous duct.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept: The human mammary gland consists of glandular tissue arranged in lobes and a complex ductal system for the synthesis, storage, and transport of milk.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach: Trace the anatomical pathway of milk from its site of production deep within the gland to its point of exit at the nipple.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation: Milk is secreted by the specialized cells of the alveoli, which are clustered in the mammary lobes.
The milk is temporarily stored in the lumen (cavities) of these alveoli.
From the alveoli, the milk passes into smaller ducts called mammary tubules.
The mammary tubules of each lobe join to form a wider collective tube called a mammary duct.
Several mammary ducts then unite to form a dilated, wider structure called the mammary ampulla.
Finally, the ampulla is connected to the lactiferous duct, through which milk is ultimately sucked out from the nipple.
Thus, the correct sequential pathway is: Alveoli $\rightarrow$ mammary tubules $\rightarrow$ mammary duct $\rightarrow$ ampulla $\rightarrow$ lactiferous ducts.
Step 4: Final Answer: The correct option is (2).