Breast (cont.)
What happens to the breasts in pregnancy?
During pregnancy the breasts grow further. This growth is
much more uniform than that at adolescence. The breasts of women with small
breasts tend to grow about as much during pregnancy as those of women with large
breasts. The amount of milk-producing tissue is
essentially the same. This is the reason that
when milk production begins, small-breasted women produce as much milk as
do large-breasted women.
What is the function of the nipples and surrounding pigmented tissue?
The nipple becomes erect because of such stimuli as a cold environment, breastfeeding, and sexual activity.
The nipple of the post-partum female is used by the infant to breastfeed.
The small darkened (pigmented) area around the nipple is called
the areola. (The word
"areola" is the diminutive of the Latin "area" meaning a small space.) In
pregnancy the areola darkens further and spreads in size. The areola contains
small modified sweat glands (Montgomery's glands) that secrete moisture that
acts as a lubricant
for breastfeeding.
What are other internal features of the breast?
The lobules and ducts in the breast are supported by surrounding
fatty tissue and the suspensory ligaments of the breast. There are no
muscles in the breast. The characteristic bounce of the breast comes
from the elasticity of the matrix of connective tissue fibers in the
breast.
There are blood vessels and lymphatics in the
breast. The lymphatics are thin channels similar to blood vessels; they do not
carry blood but collect and carry tissue fluid which ultimately re-enters the
blood stream. Breast tissue fluid drains through the lymphatics into the lymph
nodes located in the underarm (axilla) and
behind the breast bone
(sternum).
Next: What are cosmetic aspects of the breast? »
- Breast Biopsy - Learn about the different types of breast biopsy procedures, which are used to remove suspicious breast growth and examined for the presence of cancer.
- Breast Cancer - Get the facts on breast cancer symptoms, signs, stages, types, research, risk factors, diagnosis, prevention information and treatment options: mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy.
- Early Cancer Detection And Treatment - Learn about cancer detection - symptoms, exams, diagnosis and treatment for different types of cancer on MedicineNet.com
Latest Medical News
Womens Health RSS