Position:
The breasts, or mammary glands, are located on the anterior chest wall, overlying the pectoral muscles.
They are present in both males and females but are more developed and functional in females.
Structure:
Each breast is composed of glandular tissue (lobules and ducts) and supportive connective tissue (fibrous and fatty tissue).
The glandular tissue is organized into lobules, which are small sacs that produce milk during lactation.
These lobules are connected to a network of ducts that transport milk to the nipple.
The nipple is surrounded by a pigmented area called the areola, which contains sebaceous glands that secrete lubricating and protective substances.
Development:
Breast development occurs in stages, mainly during puberty under the influence of hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone.
1. Prepubertal stage:
Breasts are small and undeveloped in both males and females.
2. Budding stage:
Estrogen stimulates the growth of the breast bud, which involves the development of the duct system and some enlargement of the breast tissue.
3. Continued growth:
Throughout puberty, the breast tissue continues to grow and develop, with the duct system branching and expanding.
The fatty and fibrous connective tissues also increase.
4. Mature stage:
After puberty, the breasts reach their adult size and shape. However, their size and composition may change throughout a woman's life due to factors such as hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, and lactation.
Function:
The primary function of the breasts is to produce and secrete milk for the nourishment of infants.
This process, called lactation, is regulated by hormones such as prolactin and oxytocin.
During lactation, milk is produced in the lobules, transported through the ducts, and released through the nipple when the infant suckles.
In addition to lactation, breasts also:
Play a role in sexual arousal.
Serve as secondary sexual characteristics, contributing to a person's overall body image and self-perception.