Are seen in both men and women and are from the same embryological tissues in both sexes.
Female breast tissue can secrete milk to feed an infant
At puberty for females, changes occur due to sex hormones such as estrogen that allow for breast development.
Thelarche
This is the breast development during puberty of girls.
Development may occur on one side first or both sides at the same time or bilaterally.
50% of girls notice breast development as the first physical change during puberty.
Breast development can be classified in a “Tanner stages”
Tanner I-V is noted starting at age 10 and finishes on average at age 15-16.
Breasts are considered modified sweat glands
Areola – is the area surrounding the nipple that can be seen as pink to a dark brown.
There are several sebaceous glandson the areola
Mammary glandsin women produce milk that are drained to the surface of nipple by lactiferous ducts.
Men have mammary glands but they are typically undeveloped
Other tissues of the breast are
1.) Collagen
2.) Elastin
3.) Adipose tissue or fat
Self Examination
It is important for women to conduct a self examination of their breasts
This should be done often [every 1 month or so]
If something concerning as a lump or similar is found then professional medical assistance should be found
Mammograms are an important tool for breast evaluation
Lymphatic drainage
Between 65-75% of lymph travels to the lymph nodes in the armpit or axilla.
The remaining lymph drains to the opposite breast, lymph nodes in abdomen or lymph nodes near sternum.
The lymph drainage is important with breast cancers and possible metastasis (movement of cancer to another part of body)
Production of breast milk for breast feeding is called lactation
Galactorrhea is milk production unrelated to pregnancy or breast feeding
Breast play an important role in human sexual behavior.
Plastic Surgery
- can be cosmetic or reconstructive surgery
- can follow mastectomy, or removal of breast
- reduction is also common
- augmentation often occurs with implants