Udder
The milk-producing gland of a cow, made of four separate quarters, each with its own teat.
Also: bag, mammary gland
The udder hangs between a cow's hind legs and holds four separate glands, called quarters, each draining to its own teat; milk from one quarter does not flow into another. A dairy cow's udder is held up by strong ligaments, and the shape and attachment of the udder are among the main points in judging dairy cattle, since a well-attached udder lasts longer and is easier to milk. The udder swells in late pregnancy and is fullest in early lactation. Beef and draught breeds have smaller udders that make enough milk for a calf. Inflammation of the udder is called mastitis.