Glossary
Index
Acinus .... A narrow lumen, or tube leading to the smallest lobule of a compound gland. A compound gland is composed of a branching duct system, that combines into a secretory duct. The overall Mammary gland is a compound gland.
Alveolus (Plural of Alveoli)...... An alveoli is a glandular acinus, or the ending portion of the alveolar gland, where milk is stored after being secreted from the milk producing cell. From 10 to 100 alveoli make up a lobulus, (a lobulus is a group of milk producing cells). An Alveoli is approximately 0.12 mm in diameter.
Adult Nursing Relationship ...... Any relationship in which a lactating woman is being suckled by her adult partner. The objective of an adult nursing relationship may be to deepen the Spiritual Bond between Soul Mates, to fulfill a woman's need to nurture, to enhance an existing sexual relationship, to induce lactation in anticipation of adopting an infant, or any combination of these reasons.
Areola (Areola Mammae) ...... The dark, pigmented area surrounding the nipple. In most cases, the Areola is noticeably darker than the surrounding breast before pregnancy, or extended breast feeding; becoming much darker during and after pregnancy, or extended breast feeding. After extended breast feeding, the Areola will usually retain much of it's darkened color. The skin covering the nipple and areola is very elastic; varying greatly in shape, size and color.
Casein ...... The part of milk protein that forms the tough milk curd.
Colostrum ...... The first milk at birth. A yellowish, sticky fluid secreted during the first few days after the birth of a child. Colostrum provides excellent nutrition, as well as antibiotics produced by the mother's immune system to help protect the newborn against infectious diseases. It contains more protein, less sugar, and much less fat, than breast milk produced later. A woman who is inducing lactation, or relactating, usually produces little or no colostrum.
Corpus Mammae ...... The mammary gland. The breast mass, excluding the skin, connective tissue and fat. The mammary gland consists of up to 2500 milk producing cells and alveoli, contained in approximately 20 to 25 sacs, or lobes, radiating from the nipple like spokes of a wheel. Each milk producing cell/alveoli combination is connected to the surface of the skin at the nipple through a network of interconnecting milk ducts and sinuses.
Creamatocrit .... A method for measuring the fat and caloric content of a milk sample.
Cross-nursing ...... Breast feeding done by a lactating woman for a baby which is not her own; usually a temporary arrangement.
Cytosol ...... Cell fluid.
Dilatation ...... The swelling or enlargement of blood vessels within the breast.
Distention ...... Swelling or stretching out from pressure within the breast.
Domperidone ...... Domperidone is a medication created and manufactured by Janssen/Cilag to treat Dyspeptic Symptom Complex, (a.k.a. Acid Reflux Disease), which as a side effect causes elevated levels of Prolactin in the female bloodstream. Elevated levels of Prolactin in the bloodstream can cause spontaneous lactation. For this reason, many woman use Domperidone as an aid for inducing lactation.
Doula ...... An individual who gives continuing aid to a woman during the period that includes pregnancy, birth and lactation. A Doula may be a friend, relative or neighbor, and may be male or female. A person who gives psychological encouragement, and physical assistance to a new mother, or a woman who is inducing lactation and breast feeding.
Ejection Reflex ...... Milk Ejection Reflex, also known as the Letdown Reflex. A reflex triggered by suckling, or the anticipation of being suckled, which stimulates the Pituitary gland to increase secretion of Prolactin and Oxytocin. Prolactin and Oxytocin aid in synthesization of milk by the mammary gland, as well as movement of milk from the mammary gland to the milk sinuses below the nipple. A mild stinging sensation within the breast often accompanies the Letdown Reflex.
Endocrine Gland ...... Any of various glands, such as the Thyroid, Adrenal, and Pituitary glands, which pass their secretions directly into the bloodstream rather than into ducts. Endocrine glands are sometimes called "Ductless Glands". An example: the Pituitary gland secretes the hormones Prolactin and Oxytocin, directly into the bloodstream.
Engorgement ...... The distention, or swelling of the breasts, usually in the early days after initiation of natural or induced lactation, caused by vascular dilatation, or enlargement of blood vessels in the breasts. Hardness of the breast and minor to severe discomfort may be experienced as the breasts become swollen with lymphatic fluids. Engorgement may also be caused by delaying or skipping a nursing session.
Exocrine Gland ...... Exocrine glands are similar to endocrine glands, except their secretions are discharged into ducts rather than directly into the bloodstream. These ducts may carry secretions to the surface of the skin and eyes, or to interior organs such as the stomach and small intestines. The mammary gland, which secretes milk to the surface of the nipple through milk ducts, is an Exocrine gland.
Fennel ...... A tall perennial herb with yellow flowers belonging to the Parsley family; having aromatic seeds and leaves with a licorice taste. Fennel leaves and seeds have moderate galactagogue properties.
Fenugreek ...... An annual Asian and European herb of the pea family, having soft, moist, aromatic seeds which are used in making curry and in natural medications. Fenugreek is often used to increase lactation; however it may cause a pungent maple-like body odor, and taint breast milk with a taste similar to that of maple syrup.
Foremilk ...... The first milk obtained at the onset of suckling or expression. Foremilk contains less fat than milk produced later in the same feeding.
Galactagogue ...... A substance, such as teas, herbs, drugs or hormones, that has the capability of promoting spontaneous lactation or an increase in milk production.
Galactocele .... A cystic tumor in the ducts of the breast. The cyst usually contains a milky fluid.
Galactorrhea ...... Abnormal or inappropriate lactation.
Galactose ...... Milk sugar. A simple sugar that is the component of disaccharide lactose.
Gigantomastia ...... The excessive enlargement of the breast beyond physiologic needs during lactation or pregnancy.
Hind Milk ...... Milk produced in the latter portion of a nursing session, (near the end of the feeding). Hind milk is usually higher in fat content.
Hypergalactia ...... The excessive and uncontrolled production of milk.
Hypothalamus ...... The Hypothalamus and Thalamus, located at the base of the brain, make up the upper portion of the brain stem. It's primary function is to produce hormones, which in turn, regulate other glands such as the Pituitary gland. Hormones produced by the Hypothalamus, (directly and indirectly), control such functions as sex drive, emotions, hunger, thirst, body temperature, urination, sleep, heart rate, blood pressure and breathing. The Hypothalamus is less than 17% of the size of the brain.
Induced Lactation ...... The process by which a non-lactating woman is stimulated to produce milk for the very first time. This process is not dependent on being pregnant, or having ever been pregnant in the past. (See relactation)
Lactiferous Ducts ...... Also known as Milk Ducts. The system of interconnecting ducts within each breast, which connect individual milk producing cells to the milk sinuses below the nipples.
Lactiferous Sinus .... Lactiferous sinus, also known as milk sinus, is a spindle shaped dilation, or enlargement of the milk duct, just before it enters the nipple. In nursing women, this dilation stores a droplet of milk, which is expelled through the nipple by compression of the milk sinus when suckled.
Lactocele .... Cystic tumor of the breast caused by the dilatation and obstruction of a milk duct usually filled with milk.
Lactogenesis .... Initiation of milk secretion.
Let-Down Reflex ...... Milk Letdown Reflex, also known as the Milk Ejection Reflex. A reflex triggered by suckling, or the anticipation of being suckled, which stimulates the Pituitary gland to increase secretion of Prolactin and Oxytocin. Prolactin and Oxytocin aid in synthesization of milk by the mammary gland, as well as movement of milk from the mammary gland to the milk sinuses below the nipple. A mild stinging sensation within the breast often accompanies the Letdown Reflex.
Lobe ...... The small rounded projecting part(s) of a gland.
Lobular ...... Having the form of a small lobe.
Lobuli ...... Plural of lobulus.
Lobule ...... A section or subdivision of a lobe.
Lumen ...... The space within a tubular organ. Example: The space inside a milk duct or blood vessel.
Mamilla ...... The nipple.
Mammae ...... The mammary gland.
Mammary Gland ...... The breast mass, excluding the skin, connective tissue and fat. The mammary gland consists of up to 2500 milk producing cells and alveoli, contained in approximately 20 to 25 sacs, or lobes, radiating from the nipple like spokes of a wheel. Each milk producing cell/alveoli combination is connected to the surface of the skin at the nipple through a network of interconnecting milk ducts and sinuses.
Mastitis ...... A term used to describe breast inflammation. Mastitis may be caused by inflammation of cellular tissue, or formation of an abscess. The symptoms which are similar to other infections may include: redness, swelling, pain and tiredness. If the symptoms progressively worsen before treatment, it is likely Mastitis. If the symptoms progressively improve before treatment, it could be something like a plugged duct.
Milk Fever ...... A syndrome of fever and general malaise associated with early engorgement of the breasts, or with sudden weaning.
Milk Ducts ...... Also known as Lactiferous Ducts. The system of interconnecting ducts within each breast, which connect individual milk producing cells to the milk sinuses below the nipples.
Milk Glands ...... Colloquial name for mammary glands.
Milk Sinus ...... Milk sinus, also known as Lactiferous sinus, is a spindle shaped dilation, or enlargement of the milk duct, just before it enters the nipple. In nursing women, this dilation stores a droplet of milk, which is expelled through the nipple by compression of the milk sinus when suckled.
Montgomery Glands ...... Montgomery glands appear as small bumps around the Areola. They are small Exocrine glands which become more pronounced during lactation or pregnancy. These glands normally number from 20 to 24, and secrete fluids that helps protect and lubricate the nipple area.
Morgagni's Tubercle ...... Small sinuses , or tubes that connect the ducts of the Montgomery glands to the surface of the skin on the Areola. Those little bumps that you see on and around the areola.
Mother's Milk Tea ...... An herbal tea used to increase milk production, usually containing a combination of Fenugreek, Fennel, Blessed Thistle, Nettle and other herbs known for their galactagogue properties.
Myoepithelial Cells ...... Specialized skin cells within the milk ducts that respond to the presence of oxytocin by contracting and expelling milk into larger ductules until it can be suckled from the nipple. These specialized cells are also found in many other parts of the body.
Nettle ...... A herbaceous plant having sharp bristles on the leaves and stems that sting the skin when touched. Young shoots of the Nettle plant can be eaten and used in cooking. Nettle is believed to have moderate galactagogue properties.
Nipple ...... The elastic projection on the breast from which milk is suckled. The nipple is often markedly larger and darker after a woman's first lactation.
Non Puerperal Lactation ...... The production of milk by a woman who has not given birth. Induced lactation is non-puerperal lactation.
Oxytocin ...... Oxytocin is the hormone that triggers the Milk Letdown Reflex, and sometimes stimulates rhythmic contractions within the uterus while breast feeding. When levels are elevated in the bloodstream, Oxytocin stimulate myoepithelial cells in the walls of the milk ducts to aid with milk flow while breast feeding.
Pituitary Gland ...... The purpose of the Pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain, is to produce multiple hormones, which in turn, regulate multiple body functions. In the case of lactation, both Prolactin and Oxytocin are produced by the Pituitary gland. Production of these essential hormones is regulated by the chemical neurotransmitter Dopamine.
Postpartum ...... The period after the birth of a child.
Prolactin ...... The hormone secreted by the anterior Pituitary gland which stimulates synthesis and secretion of milk during lactation. Prolactin is present in both females and males at all ages, and interacts with other steroids in the body.
Relactation ...... The process by which a woman who has lactated in the past, then stopped, is stimulated to lactate again. Each time a non-pregnant woman, who has lactated at least once in her past, is stimulated to produce milk again, it is known as relactation. (See Induced Lactation)
Rusty Pipe Syndrome ...... A condition in which breast milk has a pinkish or brownish color. The coloration is usually caused by a small amount of blood or lymphatic fluids in the milk, and is normally harmless to the breast feeding woman or her nursing partner.
Switch Nursing ...... A method by which each breast is alternately nursed; usually for 5 minutes each breast, in an effort to improve milk production.
Transitional Milk ...... Milk produced early in the postpartum period as colostrum diminishes, and mature milk develops.
Witches Milk ...... Milk resembling colostrum secreted from the breasts of some newborns, usually three or four days after birth. Witches Milk is usually caused by stimulation of placental Prolactin.
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