Dictionary > Areolar gland

Areolar gland

Definition
noun, plural: areolar glands
Any of the sebaceous glands in the areola surrounding the nipple
Supplement
Areolar glands are a type of sebaceous glands in the areola (thus, the name). The areola is the circular field of dark coloured skin surrounding the nipple. Sebaceous glands are an exocrine gland in the skin and function by secreting sebum often into the hair follicle.
The areolar glands produce an oily secretion (a lipoid fluid) that aids in the lubrication of the areola and the nipple, especially during nursing. They may become visible as rounded projections when the nipple is stimulated. The volatile compounds in their secretions act as a stimulus for the appetite of the newborn.1 In humans, the average number of areolar glands may range from 4 to 28 in each nipple.
The areolar glands are also called glands of Montgomery. William fetherstone Montgomery, an Irish obstetrician, was the first to describe them in 1837.
Also called:

  • Gland of Montgomery

See also:

  • areola
  • sebaceous gland
  • sebum
  • Reference(s):

    1 Doucet, S., Soussignan, R., Sagot, P., & Schaal, B. (2009). Hausberger, Martine, ed. “The Secretion of Areolar (Montgomery’s) Glands from Lactating Women Elicits Selective, Unconditional Responses in Neonates”. PLoS ONE. 4 (10): e7579.


    You will also like...

    Balanced Diet
    A Balanced Diet – Minerals and Proteins

    Proteins and minerals can be derived from various dietary sources. They are essential for the proper growth and developm..

    Pollution in Freshwater Ecosystems
    Pollution in Freshwater Ecosystems

    There are many environmental factors that arise due to the usage of water in one way or another and for every action tha..

    Independent Assortment and Crossing Over
    Independent Assortment and Crossing Over

    This tutorial describes the independent assortment of chromosomes and crossing over as important events in meiosis. Read..

    human respiratory system
    Respiration

    The human respiratory system is an efficient system of inspiring and expiring respiratory gases. This tutorial provides ..

    mRNA
    Protein Synthesis

    Part of the genetic information is devoted to the synthesis of proteins. mRNA, a type of RNA, is produced as a transcri..

    Early Earth
    The Origins of Life

    This tutorial digs into the past to investigate the origins of life. The section is split into geological periods in the..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics