DUCTUS GALACTOPHORUS Meaning and
Definition
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The term "ductus galactophorus" refers to a specific structure found in female mammals, including humans, that plays a crucial role in lactation or the production and delivery of milk. 'Ductus' means duct or tube, while 'galactophorus' pertains to milk or lactation, so together they denote the milk ducts.
The ductus galactophorus is a complex network of slender, tubular structures within the breast tissue. It starts from the lobules, which are small milk-secreting glands, and extends towards the nipple. The main function of these ducts is to transport the milk produced in the lobules to the nipple, allowing it to be readily accessible to nursing offspring.
During pregnancy, hormonal changes stimulate the development and growth of these milk ducts in preparation for lactation. Once a baby is born and suckles, the stimulation triggers the release of prolactin and oxytocin hormones. Prolactin prompts the production of milk in the lobules, while oxytocin causes the muscles surrounding the ductus galactophorus to contract rhythmically, facilitating the ejection of milk from the breasts.
Understanding the ductus galactophorus is vital in the context of breast health, as any abnormalities or blockages in these milk ducts can lead to lactation issues or complications such as milk stasis or ductal ectasia. Medical professionals often examine the ductus galactophorus during breast examinations, mammograms, or ultrasounds to diagnose potential inflammations, cysts, tumors, or other disorders that may impact lactation or overall breast function.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DUCTUS GALACTOPHORUS
- ductusgalactoophorus
- d uctus galactophorus
- du ctus galactophorus
- duc tus galactophorus
- duct us galactophorus
- ductu s galactophorus
- ductus g alactophorus
- ductus ga lactophorus
- ductus gal actophorus
- ductus gala ctophorus
- ductus galac tophorus
- ductus galact ophorus
- ductus galactoph orus
- ductus galactopho rus
- ductus galactophor us
- ductus galactophoru s
Etymology of DUCTUS GALACTOPHORUS
The word "ductus galactophorus" is a Latin term that translates to "milk-carrying duct" or "galactophorous duct" in English. The etymology of this term is as follows:
- "Ductus" comes from the Latin word "ducere", meaning "to lead" or "to carry".
- "Galacto-" is derived from the Greek word "galaktos", meaning "milk".
- "Phorus" is also from Greek and means "bearer" or "carrier".
Therefore, "ductus galactophorus" can be understood as the Latin scientific expression referring to the duct or channel that carries milk, generally associated with the mammary glands in female mammals.
Similar spelling word for DUCTUS GALACTOPHORUS
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