Breast Anatomy

Knowing your body helps you to be aware of unusual changes that could indicate a problem and help you make informed decisions with your doctor, leading to better care outcomes.

The breast largely comprises of adipose or fat tissue, along with milk-producing lobes, lobules and ducts that open out into the nipple. The nipple is surrounded by a circle of pigmented skin called the areola. The lymph system, a part of the body’s immune system, which is made up of lymph nodes and lymph vessels intersperse the breast tissue. The breast also consists of a network of blood vessels, connective tissue and ligaments.

Both men and women have breast tissue. The difference is that breast-stimulating hormones are normally secreted only in women to form full breasts, while they stay flat and small in men.