GALACTOPHOROUS CANAL Meaning and
Definition
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A galactophorous canal is a vital anatomical structure present in female mammals, specifically in those that produce milk for their young through the process of lactation. The term galactophorous canal is derived from Greek origins, where "galacto" translates to "milk" and "phorous" refers to "carrier" or "conductor."
Functionally, the galactophorous canal plays a crucial role in transporting milk from the mammary glands to the external nipples or teats of the female mammal. This canal serves as a conduit for the passage of milk, allowing it to travel from the mammary glands, which are responsible for milk production, to the outside environment where the offspring can easily access it.
The galactophorous canal possesses a tubular structure, usually composed of connective tissue and lined with epithelial cells, which ensures a smooth and efficient flow of milk. In mammals with multiple mammary glands, each gland is connected to a separate canal.
During lactation, when the demand for milk production increases, the galactophorous canal dilates and expands to accommodate the enhanced milk flow. Once the young offspring suckle on the nipple or teat, a series of muscular contractions called milk letdown reflex assists in the expulsion of milk from the mammary glands, through the galactophorous canal, and into the mouth of the young mammal via suckling.
Overall, the galactophorous canal is a specialized anatomical feature in female mammals that enables the transportation of milk from the mammary glands to the external environment, facilitating the nourishment and survival of their offspring.
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One of the milk-bearing tubules in the mamma.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GALACTOPHOROUS CANAL
- galactophoreouscanal
- galactwophorouscanal
- galactoophorouscanal
- g alactophorous canal
- ga lactophorous canal
- gal actophorous canal
- gala ctophorous canal
- galac tophorous canal
- galact ophorous canal
- galactoph orous canal
- galactopho rous canal
- galactophor ous canal
- galactophoro us canal
- galactophorou s canal
- galactophorous c anal
- galactophorous ca nal
- galactophorous can al
- galactophorous cana l
Etymology of GALACTOPHOROUS CANAL
The word "galactophorous" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "galacto" meaning "milk" and "phorous" meaning "carrier" or "transporter". Together, "galactophorous" refers to something that carries or transports milk.
The term "canal" has Latin origins, derived from the word "canalis", meaning "pipe" or "channel". In this context, a "canal" refers to a passage or duct through which fluids can flow.
Therefore, the term "galactophorous canal" refers to a duct or pathway through which milk is transported, typically referring to the ducts that transport milk from the mammary glands to the nipple in female mammals.
