Milk Production
The primary purpose of the female breast is the production of milk for offspring. Lobules are structures within the breast that produce milk once the hormones of pregnancy, labor and delivery trigger the production to begin. The milk travels through ducts until it reaches the nipple where it exits the body. Although breasts vary in size, the structures that produce and transport milk are generally the same size in most women.
Extrernal Characteristics
The external characteristics of the female breast include the nipple, areola and surrounding tissue. The nipple is at the center of the breast and contains highly sensitive nerve endings. This is where the milk comes out. The areola is the darker flesh that surrounds the nipple. When an infant latches onto his mother for milk, he takes in the nipple and at least part of the areola into his mouth.
The surrounding tissue of the female breast grows during puberty (as does the areola and nipple) and varies greatly in size among mature females. The male breast lacks the abundance of surrounding tissue that the female breast possesses. Males have areolas and nipples, but they generally are smaller than those of a female.
Other Internal Characteristics
Besides milk producing structures, breasts primarily contain fat and connective tissue. Connective tissue within the breast is called stroma. There are no muscles or bones within the breasts, but there are underlying structures. Muscles beneath the breast area are known as pectoral muscles. Bones that lie beneath the pectoral muscles are ribs; they serve to protect the heart and lungs. Arteries and capillaries carry oxygen to the breasts. Lymph ducts and nodes, which are part of the immune system, are found within the breasts and extend upward to the armpit areas.
Tags: female breast, surrounding tissue, pectoral muscles, that produce, within breast, within breasts
