mamilär
Mamilär is a term used in veterinary medicine to describe a specific anatomical feature found in female mammals. It refers to a nipple or teat, which is an external projection of the mammary gland. These structures are primarily responsible for the delivery of milk to nourish offspring after birth. The number and arrangement of mamilär vary significantly across different species. For instance, cats typically have eight, while cattle have two large mamilär. The size and shape can also differ, often adapting to the size of the young. The development and function of mamilär are hormonally regulated, particularly by prolactin and oxytocin, which are crucial for milk production and let-down respectively. In some species, the mamilär are more prominent and easily visible, while in others, they are smaller and less conspicuous. The term "mamilär" is derived from the Latin word "mamma," meaning breast or udder. It is a fundamental component of mammalian reproduction and parental care, ensuring the survival and development of newborns through lactation. The specific location and number of mamilär can sometimes be used as a distinguishing characteristic in zoological classification.