What is the Difference Between Glandular Tissue and Lactiferous Tissue?

The main difference between glandular tissue and lactiferous tissue lies in their distribution and function. Glandular tissue is found in various glands throughout the body, while lactiferous tissue is limited to the lactiferous duct in the mammary gland.

Glandular tissues are involved in numerous secretory functions, including the secretion of hormones, enzymes, oils, and other substances. They are classified as both endocrine and exocrine glands, with endocrine glands releasing hormones directly into the bloodstream and exocrine glands secreting substances through ducts.

Lactiferous tissue, on the other hand, is dedicated to milk secretion and regulation in the mammary glands. The mammary gland's glandular tissue is made up of branching ducts and terminal secretory lobules, with 15 to 20 lobes in total. A lactiferous duct collects milk from the lobules within each lobe and carries it to the nipple. The lactiferous duct enlarges to form a lactiferous sinus (ampulla) just before the nipple, which serves as a reservoir for milk.

In summary, glandular tissues have diverse secretory functions and are distributed throughout various glands in the body, while lactiferous tissues are specific to the mammary glands and focused on milk secretion and regulation.

Comparative Table: Glandular Tissue vs Lactiferous Tissue

Here is a table comparing the differences between glandular tissue and lactiferous tissue:

Both glandular tissue and lactiferous tissue are types of secretory tissues made of epithelium. While glandular tissue has diverse secretory functions and can be found in various organs throughout the body, lactiferous tissue is specifically dedicated to milk secretion and regulation in the mammary glands.