[Human colostrum and milk cells]. / Células do colostro e leite humanos.

This review dwells on the major cell defense factors of human colostrum and milk: phagocytes, lymphocytes, epithelial cells, and natural-killer cells (NK). Other elements are also presented, of humoral origin, which take part in such fluid. The cells are morphofunctionally characterized and reasons are given that make it more difficult for a detailed study (great variability, atypical morphology, presence of fatty globules). Finally, the function of maternal milk is stressed as a transmitter of systemic immunity and of nutritional elements to the neonate, therefore the importance of breastfeeding.