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Nipples of the mammary glands
Last reviewed: 17.10.2021
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The main purpose of the mammary glands is the feeding of newborns. Mammary glands are a derivative of sweat glands. The structure of the mammary glands during a woman's life varies. The relationship between the glandular, connective and fatty tissues is not constant. The shape, volume, location and function of the breast are interrelated with the sexual maturation of a woman, the period of gestation and lactation and have individual characteristics. It depends on the age, phase of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding and intensity of the aging process. The chest gland lies on the large thoracic and partly on the anterior cog muscle. Approximately in the middle of the most convex area of the breast is a painted area - the field of the nipple, in the middle of which rises the breast nipple.
The skin on the chest is extremely tender. The skin of the nipple and the field of the nipple is particularly sensitive and has many small folds that look like wrinkles. Pigmentation of the nipple skin may be different: pink or brown. During the gestation of the child, the pigmentation of the nipple field and the actual nipple of the breast becomes more noticeable. The nipple of a breast at women who did not give birth, has the form of a cone, and at gave birth - the form of the cylinder. At the end of lactation, the breast changes in size: it becomes smaller as a result of the reverse development of the elements of the glandular part of it, but not to the extent that it was before pregnancy.
[Types of nipples
Not all women know what kind of nipples they have. Meanwhile, from the anatomy of the nipples depends the success of the organization of breastfeeding the baby. For example, if the nipples are flat, the task of accustoming the baby to properly suck is complicated, feeding can cause unpleasant and painful sensations, and the child is more difficult to eat.
- Normal nipples. They protrude slightly above the breast surface. Become more and more noticeable from the effects of heat, when excited.
- Flat nipples. Do not rise above the areola, and when excited, they rise slightly. Usually such nipples become normal with prolonged breastfeeding.
- Plump nipples. They, as well as flat ones, do not stand out above the surface, but the areola itself slightly protrudes.
- Retracted nipples. This type of nipple is similar to dimples and indicates the abnormal development of the mammary glands during puberty. Retracted nipples can get a normal shape if you can organize breastfeeding. This can help a specialized device for feeding or plastic surgery.
- One-sided nipples, when only one nipple has a convex shape.
As for the size of the nipple areola, whether large or small, this is considered the norm and the individuality of a woman, and all gradations only outline external, aesthetic characteristics.
The only thing that should alarm is any changes in the tissues of the nipples of the mammary glands - this can manifest one of the forms of cancer that develops from the epithelium of the milk ducts. In such cases, you should consult specialists who will take the tissue for histological examination.