Anatomy of the Breast
How well do you really know your breasts? You’re probably familiar with the nipple and areola, but breasts also consist of fat, connective tissue, lobes, lymph nodes and more. If yours will be covered in turtlenecks, jackets and scarves for months to come, there’s no better time than now to learn how they function on the inside as well as look on the outside. Lobes, lobules and ducts: Each breast actually has up to 20 different sections known as lobes. The lobes, in turn, contain smaller glands called lobules, which can produce milk. The lobes and lobules are linked by ducts, which lead to the center of the nipple. Areola and nipple: The darker, circular area around your nipples is called the areola; when stimulated by cold, touch or breastfeeding, the nipples and areolas will stand out.
Fat and connective tissue: About one-third of your breast is fat tissue – the fat not only creates bounce, but also helps determine breast size. The breast tissue rests between layers of fat
and fills the spaces between lobules and ducts. Cooper’s ligaments are a strong type of connective tissue underneath breast skin designed to hold the breasts in position. While there are no muscles in the breast, pectoral or chest muscles lie just under them. In addition, arteries and capillaries carry oxygen and nutrients to the breast tissue and lymph to nearby lymph nodes, where they can remove harmful substances from the body.
