Learning breast anatomy is important for health
The well-known breast
cancer advocacy and
research group Susan
G. Komen indicates
that, according to the most
recent data available, 1.7
million new cases of breast
cancer occurred among
women worldwide in 2012.
Western Europe, North
America, and northern
Europe have the highest
breast cancer incidences in
the world, according to the
International Agency for
Research on Cancer and the
World Health Organization.
Women diagnosed with
breast cancer may want to
begin their treatment journeys
by educating themselves
on the anatomy of the
breast so they can better understand
their disease and
how it develops.
The structure of the
breast is complex and comprised
of fat, glandular tissue,
connective tissue, lobes,
lobules, ducts, lymph nodes,
blood vessels, and ligaments.
The following is a breakdown
of the common components
of the breast:
Fat cells: The female
breast is largely fat cells
called adipose tissue. This
tissue extends from the
collarbone down to the underarm
and across to the
middle of the rib cage. The
main purpose of adipose
tissue is to store energy in
the form of fat and insulate
the body.
Lobules: Each breast
contains several sections
that branch out from the
nipple. Lobule glands make
milk and are often grouped
together to form lobes.
There may be between 15
and 20 lobes in each breast,
says the Cleveland Clinic.
Each lobe has roughly 20 to
40 lobules.
Ducts: Connecting the
lobules are small tubes
called ducts. The ducts carry
milk to the nipples of the
breasts. There are around 10
duct systems in each breast,
each with its own opening at
the nipple.
Nipple: The nipple may
be the most recognizeable
part of the breast. It is in the
center of the breast. The lobules
will squeeze milk into
the ducts, which then transfer
it to the nipples. Most
nipples protrude outward,
but according to Health
magazine’s medical editor
BRONX TIMES REPORTER, O 8 CT. 15-21, 2021 BTR
Dr. Roshini Rajapaksa,
some women have flat or inverted
nipples. The nipples
do not have a singular hole
for the milk to come out like
an artificial bottle nipple.
Rather, there are many lactiferous
duct outlets in each
nipple that correspond to
the ducts in each breast.
Lymph system: Snaking
through the adipose tissue
are lymph vessels and nodes.
The lymph system distributes
disease-fighting cells and
fluids as part of the immune
system, states the National
Breast Cancer Foundation,
Inc. Bean-shaped lymph
nodes in fixed areas through
the system filter abnormal
cells away from healthy tissue.
Areola: The areola is pigmented
skin surrounding a
nipple. The areola contains
tubercles called Montgomery’s
glands, which secrete
lubricating materials to make
breastfeeding more comfortable.
Changes in any areas of
the breast may be indicative
of cancer. That is why women
Women diagnosed with breast cancer may want to begin their treatment
journeys by educating themselves on the anatomy of the breast so they
can better understand their disease and how it develops.
are urged to understand their
breasts’ “normal” appearance
and feel so they can recognize
any changes and address them
with a doctor right away.
-Schneps Media
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