What is the primary function of mammary glands?

The primary function of mammary glands is milk production. These glands are specialized structures in the breasts that become active during pregnancy and lactation, enabling them to produce and secrete milk to nourish infants. This milk contains essential nutrients, antibodies, and other components critical for a newborn's growth and development, making the role of the mammary glands vital in early life.

Hormone production, while relevant to various bodily functions, does not describe the primary role of mammary glands, as they are not the central site of hormone synthesis. Fertilization of eggs occurs in the female reproductive system, specifically in the fallopian tubes, and is unrelated to the function of mammary glands. Similarly, the regulation of menstrual cycles primarily involves the ovaries and the endocrine system, rather than the mammary glands' specific roles. Therefore, the emphasis on milk production accurately reflects the essential function of these glands.