Breast lymph glands

Small milk ducts are attached to the lobules. Your breasts aid in lactation and sexual pleasure. This causes the milk ducts to stretch out and become more branched. Skip to content. Breast anatomy includes the nipple and areola on the outside, and milk ducts, lobes, lobules, lymph nodes, and vessels on the inside.

Breasts are made up of breast tissue also called glandular tissue and fat, along with nerves, veins, arteries, and connective tissue that helps hold everything in place. We connect patients, caregivers, and family members with essential serv. Glands on the areola the shaded circle of skin around the nipple release small amounts of fluid during breastfeeding to lubricate the nipple.

Breast Anatomy Areola Nipple

The pectoralis muscle the main chest muscle is found between the breast and the ribs in the chest wall. Breast tissue is composed of lobules small round sacs that produce milk and milk ducts canals that carry milk from the lobules to the nipple openings during breastfeeding.

Some cultures ascribe social and sexual characteristics to female breasts, and may regard bare breasts in public as immodest or indecent. There are about 10 duct systems in each breast, each with its own opening at the nipple [ 2 ]. Lobules and ducts grow in a pattern that looks like bunches of grapes.

Breast cancer Symptoms and

Breast Density. Experts share how breast cancer commonly manifests and the physical signs and changes to look out for. The lobes, lobules, and bulbs are all linked by thin tubes called ducts. Learn about breast density and breast cancer risk.

Each lobe has many smaller structures called lobules. Muscle tissue in the nipples allows them to become erect in response to stimulation or breastfeeding.

Breasts Anatomy Types and

Each breast has 15 to 20 sections, called lobes. These ducts join together like branches of grape stems, gradually forming larger ducts. These end in dozens of tiny bulbs that can produce milk. Breasts, especially the nipples, can be an erogenous zone, and part of sexual activity.

Our highly trained specialists are available 24/7 via phone and on weekdays can assist through online chat. Breast Cancer Structure of the Breast.

Breast Cancer American Cancer

Learn about the anatomy and function of the breasts, how they differ based on sex, and how they change over time. This content is regularly reviewed by an expert panel including researchers, practicing clinicians and patient advocates. Learn about male breast cancer.

Share Your Story or Read Others. The female breast anatomy includes internal milk ducts and glands and external nipples. Each lobe has lobules [ 2 ].

Breast Lump Actually Feels

Normal breasts can range in size, shape, appearance, and texture and may change throughout life. Adult women have lobes in each breast [ 1 ]. Muscle tissue around the lobules helps squeeze milk into the ducts. Learn more about breast density and mammography.

During pregnancy, the lobules grow and begin to produce milk. Breasts can represent fertility, femininity, or abundance. They are arranged like the petals of a daisy. The milk is then released into the ducts so a woman can breastfeed her baby. During puberty, hormones produced by the ovaries and pituitary gland a part of the brain that controls growth and other glands in the body cause the breasts to grow.

After menopause when the ovaries stop producing hormones and a woman stops having periodsthe number of lobules decreases and those that remain shrink in size. Boys and girls begin life with similar breast tissue.