The Breasts

Women and men both have breast tissue. In women, breasts are made up of milk glands. Inside a woman’s breast are 15 to 20 sections (lobes). Each lobe is made of many smaller sections (lobules). Lobules have groups of tiny glands that can make milk. After a baby is born, breast milk flows from the lobules through thin tubes (ducts) to the nipple. Fibrous tissue and fat fill the spaces between the lobules and ducts.

A milk gland consists of:

• Lobules – where milk is made
• Ducts – tubes that carry milk to the nipples.

In men, the development of the lobules is suppressed at puberty by testosterone, the male sex hormone. Both female and male breasts contain supportive fibrous and fatty tissue. Some breast tissue extends into the armpit (axilla). This is known as the axillary tail.

Lymphatic system

The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and protects the body against disease and infection. It is made up of a network of thin tubes called lymph vessels. These connect to groups of small, bean- shaped structures called lymph nodes or glands. Lymph nodes are found throughout the body, including the armpits (axillary), the breastbone, the neck, abdomen and groin.

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