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FEMALE BREAST: The mammary, or milk-secreting, gland. It was
originally a sweat gland but has developed during evolution. It is also a potent sexual
symbol with an important erotic function.
The breasts develop slowly under the influence of hormones during puberty. Each breast
consists chiefly of fibrous tissue radiating from the nipple and dividing it into 15 to 20
lobes. Under hormonal control, these lobes produce milk following delivery of a baby. Each
lobe has many small ducts draining into a main duct, which finally emerges as a tiny
opening on the surface of the nipple. Just under the nipple these ducts dilate, forming
reservoirs of milk during feeding. Pressure by the infant's mouth on the areola, the
distinct circle of dark skin surrounding the nipple, causes milk to be ejected from the 15
to 20 ducts.
Surrounding the glandular tissue is a large pad of fat cells, which give the breasts its
shape. The entire breast mass extends over a large area, reaching up into the armpit.
(Thus, the importance of thorough feeling during self-examination of the breasts for early
signs of cancer).
There are no muscles in the breasts; if they lose their youthful firmness, exercise is
unlikely to restore it. Despite the vagaries of fashion and the women's liberation
movement, many women find that they do prefer to wear a brassiere - both for the sake of
comfort and, hopefully, to ward off stretching and sagging. Support is especially
important during pregnancy.
Throughout pregnancy the breasts become fuller. This and tingling nipples are, for many
women, among the first indications of pregnancy. The areola itself may further darken,
especially in dark-haired women.
Although boyish figures are promoted as fashionable, many women worry if their breasts are
very small. Breast size tends to increase after the age of 35 or so, chiefly due to fat
being deposited in the breast. Ideal size and shape of the breasts vary among
different cultures as well as among individuals. Polynesians are said to admire small
conical breasts, while North American Indians admire elongated drooping breasts. American
men tend to prefer larger, firmer breasts.
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