Which structure in the breast is responsible for milk production?

The alveoli are the specific structures in the breast responsible for milk production. These small, sac-like glands are lined with milk-secreting cells called alveolar cells. When a mother experiences hormonal changes during pregnancy and after childbirth, these cells produce milk, which is crucial for feeding the infant.

The lactiferous sinus is involved in storing milk before it is released during breastfeeding, but it does not actually produce milk. The areola, the pigmented area surrounding the nipple, contains glands that can help with lubrication during breastfeeding but is not directly involved in milk production. The lobule is a structural unit in the breast that contains the alveoli, but it does not produce milk by itself; rather, it is the alveoli within the lobule that fulfill this function.

Understanding the roles of these different structures highlights the complexity of the breast and the specific functions they serve in the breastfeeding process. This information is essential for comprehending maternal health and infant nutrition.