The anatomy of the breast gland is divided into two parts, namely the anatomy of the outside and the anatomy of the inside. Each part of the breast gland has a role in providing breast milk (ASI) for the baby.
In women who have entered puberty, the breasts will enlarge and be more prominent. While in men, breast shape does not change much after puberty, although some men may experience hair growth on the chest and breasts.
Anatomy of the Breast Gland
Breast anatomy is quite complex. Although the size and shape of the breast in every woman varies, this one part of the body is composed of the same structure. Based on its location, the anatomy of the breast gland is divided into two parts, namely:
External breast anatomy
The anatomy of the outer breast consists of:
areola
The areola is a circular area in the center of the breast that is darker in color than the surrounding skin. During and after pregnancy, the diameter of the areola may enlarge and sometimes appear darker.
Nipples
The nipple is the part of the breast that is round, small, and protrudes in the center of the areola. The size and shape of the nipples varies in each woman and man.
However, in general, female nipples are larger and denser than male nipples. This is because the nipples of women have several openings that allow milk to flow out of the mammary glands when breastfeeding.
Montgomery's glands
Montgomery glands are shaped like small lumps and are located around the nipple and areola. These glands function to produce the skin's natural oils that lubricate and moisturize the nipples and areola. The oil also serves to protect the skin of the breast from bacterial infection.
Inner breast anatomy
The anatomy of the inside of the breast consists of:
Lobes and lobules
The normal female breast has about 15 to 20 lobes. Each lobe consists of small parts called lobules. The lobules or breast glands are where milk is produced.
Unlike the female breast glands, the male breast glands do not have lobules, so they cannot produce milk.
Duct (milk duct)
The lobules of the mammary glands are connected to the milk ducts or mammary ducts. When breastfeeding, the milk produced by the lobules will flow through the duct and empty into the nipple.
Lymph nodes and vessels
In almost every part of the body there are lymph nodes and vessels that function to produce and carry lymph fluid (lymph), including the breasts. Lymph fluid in the breasts is produced by lymph nodes located in the armpits, the top of the collarbone, and the chest.
The lymph fluid contains immune-forming cells that function to help the body fight infection.
Fat tissue
The breast contains fatty tissue that serves to assist the connective tissue and breast connectors in supporting and supporting the structure of the breast. The more fatty tissue in the breast, the larger the size of a person's breasts.
In addition, the breast also consists of blood vessels and nerves. Blood vessels function to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the breast glands, while nerves allow the breasts to feel sensations and support the breastfeeding process.
Types of Breast Gland Disorder
There are several types of disorders or diseases that can attack the breast glands, including:
- Breast cancer.
- Benign breast tumors, such as intraductal papillomas, fibroadenomas, granular cell tumors, and phyllodes tumors of the breast.
- Breast cyst.
- mastitis.
- Breast calcification.
- Ductal ectasia (blockage of the milk ducts).
- Gynecomastia or breast enlargement in men.
Disorders of the breast glands can cause several complaints, such as a lump or swelling in the breast, breast pain, nipple being pulled into the breast, changing breast size, to discharge or blood from the breast.
To determine the disorder that afflicts the breast glands and the factors causing it, it is necessary to have an examination by a doctor. In determining the diagnosis and finding out the cause, the doctor will perform a physical examination and supporting examinations in the form of blood tests, mammography, ultrasound and CT scan of the breast, as well as a biopsy.
How to Maintain Breast Health
One way that breast abnormalities can be detected immediately is to perform breast self-examination (BSE) regularly every month, to be exact 7-10 days after menstruation. If you notice a change in the size or shape of your breasts, you are advised to consult a doctor.
Women over the age of 45 are also advised to have regular breast exams (breast check up) regularly to the doctor every 2 years.
Breast health can be maintained by wearing a bra that can support the breasts well, but not too tight, and living a healthy lifestyle, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, maintaining an ideal body weight, not consuming a lot of alcoholic beverages, and not smoking.
If you feel a lump, pain, or find abnormalities in your breast glands, immediately consult a doctor. After the examination is carried out, the doctor will determine the cause of the disturbance in your breasts and provide appropriate treatment.
