The breasts are glands that can make milk. Each breast sits on chest
muscles that cover the ribs.
Each breast is divided into 15 to 20 sections called lobes. Lobes
contain many smaller lobules. Lobules contain groups of tiny glands
that can produce milk. Milk flows from the lobules through thin tubes
called ducts to the nipple. The nipple is in the center of a dark area
of skin called the areola. Fat fills the spaces between the lobules and
ducts.
The breasts also contain lymph vessels, which carry a clear fluid called
lymph. The lymph vessels lead to small, round organs called lymph nodes.
Groups of lymph nodes are found near the breast in the axilla (underarm),
above the collarbone, in the chest behind the breastbone, and in many
other parts of the body. The lymph nodes trap bacteria, cancer cells, or
other harmful substances that may be in the lymphatic system.
Your breasts are mainly made up of fatty tissue containing thousands of
tiny glands or lobules, designed to produce milk in late pregnancy and
after childbirth. These lobules make up lobes that empty into tubes or
ducts. These ducts connect together and channel to the nipples, delivering
milk for breast-feeding. Each breast contains 5-10 ductal systems, 15-20
lobes - and roughly 1 million lobules.
The nipple is surrounded by the areola, a darker area. Glands in the areola produce fluid to lubricate the nipple during breastfeeding.
The remainder of each breast is made up of surrounding fatty and connective tissue. Ligaments and large muscles attached to the chest wall provide support. Healthy breast Each of your breasts is distinct. They may not be exactly the same size or shape - for instance, one may be larger than the other - and this is quite normal. Similarly, whilst your nipples usually point forward, they may look different on each breast. One or both of them may be inverted (turned inward) from an early age. Again, these differences aren't unusual. Your breasts' size and shape are likely to vary in different situations. For example, the changing levels of hormones present during the menstrual cycle can affect your breasts. They may also feel tender or lumpy just before your period - this is also normal. Your breast size is also likely to vary during pregnancy, as changing levels of hormones help your body prepare for breastfeeding. The appearance and composition of your breasts will also change with age and corresponding changes in hormone levels. For instance, after the menopause (change of life) they may become softer and smaller as more of the glandular tissue designed for breastfeeding is replaced by fat. Breast tissue actually extends beyond the visible breast into the axilla (armpit). In the armpit and breast area there are many lymph nodes (glands). These nodes contain 'fighter' cells that act as filters as fluid and cells from the breast pass through the node. They form part of the lymphatic system, which helps the body to fight infection. Breast diagram 2But the role of the breast is far more complex than the practical function of providing milk for babies.
In our society, breasts are also regarded as symbols of beauty and femininity - part not only of a woman's role as a mother, but also as a visible sign of her female sexuality. Breasts have an emotional and psychological role to play and have an impact on issues such as body-image and self-confidence.
