Breasts are primarily composed of fat, connective tissue, glands, and ducts. These components work together to form the structure and function of the breast.
- Fat: The majority of breast tissue is made up of fatty tissue, which helps give the breast its shape and size.
- Connective tissue: This tissue provides support and structure to the breast, holding the glands and ducts in place. It also forms ligaments, which help support the breast from the skin to the chest muscles.
- Glands: The glands, also known as lobules, are responsible for producing milk. Each breast has 15 to 20 lobes, each containing numerous lobules.
- Ducts: These are thin tubes that carry milk from the lobules to the nipple.
Additionally, the breast contains nerves, veins, arteries, and lymphatic vessels. These structures play important roles in regulating blood flow, sensory perception, and the immune system.
The amount of fat and connective tissue can vary greatly from person to person, resulting in differences in breast size and density. Dense breasts have more connective tissue than fatty tissue, making it harder to see tumors on mammograms.
