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Anatomy of the Breasts

Illustration of the anatomy of the female breast, front view
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Each breast has 15 to 20 sections, called lobes. They are arranged like the petals of a daisy.

Each lobe has many smaller structures called lobules. These end in dozens of tiny bulbs that can produce milk.

The lobes, lobules, and bulbs are all linked by thin tubes called ducts.

These ducts lead to the nipple in the center of a dark area of skin called the areola.

Illustration of the anatomy of the female breast, side view
Click Image to Enlarge

Fat fills the spaces between lobules and ducts.

There are no muscles in the breast, but muscles lie under each breast and cover the ribs.

Each breast also contains blood vessels and vessels that carry lymph. The lymph vessels lead to small bean-shaped organs called lymph nodes. These lymph nodes are found in clusters under the arm, above the collarbone, and in the chest. They are also in many other parts of the body.

Online Medical Reviewer: Daniel N Sacks MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNP
Online Medical Reviewer: Louise Cunningham RN BSN
Date Last Reviewed: 9/1/2020
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