what are mammary glands

Mammary glands are the milk producing glands present in female mammals.They are located under the nipples and form a major part of female breast. 

It is an exocrine gland which means that the produced fluids are transported to the destination via ducts. They consist of various lobes which contain clusters of alveoli which produce milk which is then transported to the nipple through a system of ducts.

These glands are inactive during major portion of female’s life and become active only after giving birth to an infant. The milk produced by these glands is used to feed their offspring.