Breast Anatomy

Each breast has 15 to 20 sections, called lobes, that are arranged like the petals of a daisy.

Each lobe has many smaller lobules, which contain dozens of tiny clusters of cells that can produce milk.

Traveling among the lobes and lobules are thin tubes called ducts.

These ducts lead to the nipple, which is located in the center of a dark area of skin called the areola.

Fat fills the spaces between lobes, lobules and ducts.

There are no muscles in the breast, but muscles lie under each breast and cover the ribs.

Each breast also contains blood vessels and vessels that carry lymph. The lymph vessels lead to small bean-shaped organs called lymph nodes, clusters of which are found under the arm, above the collarbone, and in the chest, as well as in many other parts of the body.