abdominal mammary gland

The abdominal mammary gland (known in anatomical terminology as abdomen lactiferous gland) is a lactiferous (milk-producing) gland located in the abdominal region. In animals with multiple mammary glands arranged in rows (such as pigs, dogs, or rodents), the abdominal pair occupies the abdominal segment of the mammary chain.

The abdominal mammary gland is found along the ventral abdomen, positioned between the inguinal (groin) glands below and the thoracic (chest) glands above. In species with multiple mammary glands, this location places it mid-chain along the ventral midline.

The abdominal mammary gland produces and secretes milk to nourish offspring during lactation. Its function is hormonally regulated by prolactin, oxytocin, and estrogen, and it develops fully during pregnancy.

Mastitis (infection of the mammary gland), mammary tumors, and galactocele (milk cyst) can affect this gland. In female dogs and other animals, mammary neoplasia is a significant veterinary health concern, particularly in unspayed females.

The abdominal mammary gland functions similarly to other mammary glands in the same animal, but its anatomical position may result in slightly different lymphatic drainage patterns. In veterinary medicine, the position of a mammary tumor relative to the abdominal vs. inguinal glands can influence which lymph nodes are involved.