Breast Anatomy

The human breast is composed of glandular tissue (lobules and ducts), subcutaneous fat, connective tissue, and skin. The main components include:

• Lobules: Clusters of alveoli where milk is produced and stored in response to hormonal signals.
• Ducts: Tubes that carry milk from the lobules to the nipple.
• Fat: Subcutaneous fat envelops the glandular tissue, giving the breast its size and shape.
• Connective tissue: Provides structural support and determines firmness.
• Nipple and areola: The nipple is the outlet for milk, surrounded by the pigmented areola.

Breast development is driven by hormones, especially estrogen and growth hormone during puberty, and by estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin during pregnancy. After menopause, glandular tissue atrophies and is replaced by fat, often changing the shape and firmness of the breast.

For more, see breast_shapes.md, breast_ptosis.md, and estrogen.md.