The key difference between glandular tissue and lactiferous tissue is that glandular tissue is distributed in a wide variety of glands, including both endocrine and exocrine, while lactiferous tissue is only limited to the lactiferous duct in the mammary gland.
Tissues are formed by the collection of cells from the same origin. Different tissue types collectively form organs and organ systems, thus resulting in the hierarchical organization of an organism. Different tissues have different functions. Tissues of the secretory type mainly take part in facilitating the secretion of different fluids.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Glandular Tissue
3. What is Lactiferous Tissue
4. Similarities – Glandular Tissue and Lactiferous Tissue
5. Glandular Tissue vs Lactiferous Tissue in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Glandular Tissue vs Lactiferous Tissue
What is Glandular Tissue?
Glandular tissue, also known as the glandular epithelium, is a secretory epithelium that secretes various secretions such as sweat, saliva, breast milk, mucous, hormones, and digestive juices. Glandular tissue is arranged into structures called glands. These secretions are usually stored in membrane-bound vesicles and then released to the extracellular space. Based on how the tissue releases these secretory products, there are three different mechanisms: merocrine, apocrine, and holocrine secretions.
Figure 01: Different Types of Secretions in Glandular Tissue
The glandular tissue is found in both endocrine and exocrine glands. Glandular tissue in the endocrine gland is involved in secreting hormone-like substances, while glandular tissue in exocrine glands is involved in secreting saliva, sweat, or tears.
What is Lactiferous Tissue?
Lactiferous tissue is the tissue distributed in the lactiferous ducts of the mammary gland. The ducts form a branching system connecting the nipple to lobules of the mammary gland. The lactiferous tissue is a type of columnar epithelium that has gained the secretory function. Furthermore, myoepithelial cells also support the formation of lactiferous tissue.
Figure 02: Anatomy of Human Breast Showing Lactiferous Ducts Composed of Lactiferous Tissue
The main function of the lactiferous tissue is to balance milk production, milk stasis, and reabsorption. Hormones also play an important role in activating and regulating the lactation process facilitated by the lactiferous tissue.
Malignancies in the lactiferous tissue may lead to the onset of breast cancers and different abscesses. Furthermore, deformities in the lactiferous tissue also lead to the development of lactiferous duct dysmorphia, where the milk duct resumes an irregular shape.
What are the Similarities Between Glandular Tissue and Lactiferous Tissue?
- Both are made of epithelium.
- They are types of secretory tissues.
What is the Difference Between Glandular Tissue and Lactiferous Tissue?
The key difference between glandular tissue and lactiferous tissue is that glandular tissues are found in various glands, while lactiferous tissue is only found in the mammary glands forming the lactiferous duct. Moreover, while glandular tissue has varying functions, the main function of the lactiferous tissue is secretion and balance of milk production during lactation.
The below infographic presents the differences between glandular tissue and lactiferous tissue in tabular form for side by side comparison.
Summary – Glandular Tissue vs Lactiferous Tissue
The glandular tissue is distributed to form both endocrine and exocrine glands and possesses great diversity in distribution. The lactiferous tissue is distributed in the mammary glands. So, this is the key difference between glandular tissue and lactiferous tissue. While both take part in the secretory function, the functionality of glandular tissue is more diverse, while lactiferous tissue is dedicated to milk secretion and regulation.
Reference:
1. Aranda-Gutierrez, Alejandro. “Histology, Mammary Glands.” StatPearls., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 10 May 2021.
2. Muse, Mikel E. “Physiology, Epithelialization.” StatPearls., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 29 Apr. 2021.
Image Courtesy:
1. “405 Modes of Secretion by Glands updated” By Fred the Oysteri. This vector image was created with Adobe Illustrator. – Anatomy & Physiology, Connexions Web site, Jun 19, 2013. (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Figure 28 02 09” By OpenStax College – Anatomy & Physiology, Connexions Web site, Jun 19, 2013. (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia