Anatomy and health of the female breast

The female breast is an ancient symbol of fertility and beauty, as well as an important part of the body. In addition to fat and muscle tissue, it contains the mammary gland and ducts through which milk comes out of the breast during lactation.

Mammary gland

A large part of the structure of the breast consists of fat cells. Fat is deposited in the breast and other parts of the body by the female estrogen sex hormone. The mammary gland consists of fifteen to twenty pieces, from which come the ducts connecting them with the nipple. It is in these doses, with the appropriate hormonal stimulation, that milk begins to be produced. During pregnancy and after childbirth, the network of ducts may change - some channels expand, new ones appear.

Female breasts are different from the breast of female primates. The latter’s breasts grow only during the lactation period and return to a flat state after completion of feeding. Women’s breasts grow in adolescence and, although they change with age, remain bulging throughout life.

Female breast during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the breast becomes even larger. The amount of milk that will be produced does not depend on the breast size before pregnancy. Also, the nipple size increases and the areola darkens. The Montgomery glands, located on the areola, secrete moisture, preventing dryness and nipple damage during feeding.

Other structures in the female breast

The breast lobes and ducts are supported by surrounding fat tissues and ligaments. There is no muscle in the breast; its elasticity is provided by the elasticity of the connective tissue and skin. The breast also contains blood vessels and lymphatic ducts. The lymphatic ducts allow fluid to flow from breast tissue into the lymph nodes through the armpits and behind the breast.

The female breast begins to develop in the fourth week of life of the fetus. Rarely, girls are born without breasts and nipples, which is usually associated with severe genetic disorders.