MAMMILLAE Meaning and
Definition
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Mammillae is a term primarily used in anatomical and zoological contexts. It refers to small protuberances or nodules that are found on various body parts of animals, particularly mammals. These structures can be present on different regions, such as the skin, nipples, tongue, or reproductive organs, among others.
In mammals, the term mammillae is most commonly associated with the nipples. Forming part of the mammary glands, the mammillae are the raised structures on the chest or abdomen of female mammals that produce and excrete milk, providing nourishment to their offspring. Mammillae can vary in number and arrangement based on the species. For instance, humans usually have two pairs of mammillae, whereas some species of marsupials have multiple nipples running along the length of their abdomen.
Apart from nipples, in some cases, mammillae can also refer to nipple-like protrusions or tubercles found on the tongue or reproductive organs of certain animals. These structures may serve various purposes depending on the species, such as assisting in grooming, grasping objects, or aiding in reproductive activities.
In summary, mammillae are small, raised structures found on the skin, nipples, tongue, or reproductive organs of mammals. They play a crucial role in mammary gland function and milk production in female mammals, while also serving additional functions in other body parts of different species.
Common Misspellings for MAMMILLAE
Etymology of MAMMILLAE
The word "mammillae" is derived from the Latin word "mammilla", which means "nipple" or "teat". It is the diminutive form of "mamma", which referred to the female breast or teat. "Mamma" itself likely comes from the Proto-Indo-European root "meh₁-", which means "to suckle". The word "mammillae" is used in various biological contexts to refer to small rounded protuberances or nipples.
Similar spelling words for MAMMILLAE
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