Question

multiple choice 2 points
mammary glands are modified glands that develop within the female breasts
merocrine
sebaceous
apocrine
eccrine
ceruminous

Explanation:

Identify the gland type

Mammary glands are specialized exocrine glands that produce milk. Anatomically and developmentally, they are modified sweat glands.

Classify the sweat gland modification

Sweat glands are classified into eccrine and apocrine types. Mammary glands are specifically modified apocrine sweat glands, sharing histological characteristics and secretory mechanisms (apocrine secretion, where a portion of the secretory cell's cytoplasm is pinched off off with the product) with apocrine glands.

Match with options

Comparing this classification to the choices:

• merocrine: standard sweat glands (eccrine) use this secretion method, but mammary glands are specifically modified apocrine glands.
• sebaceous: oil-producing glands, not sweat glands.
• apocrine: correct, mammary glands are modified apocrine sweat glands.
• eccrine: standard watery sweat glands.
• ceruminous: modified apocrine glands of the ear canal, not the breast.

Answer:

• merocrine
• sebaceous
• apocrine (Correct answer)
• eccrine
• ceruminous