Introduction

Breast Anatomy

The female breast contains two main types of tissues: glandular tissue and supporting (stromal) tissue. The glandular part of the breast includes the lobules and ducts. In women who are breast feeding, the cells of the lobules produce milk, which is then carried inside the ducts (milk passages) to the nipple. The support tissue of the breast includes fatty tissue and fibrous connective tissue (ligaments that support the breast). The female breast is made up of glands that produce and release milk after childbirth. The glands that make the mild are called lobules and the tubes that connect them to the nipple are * called ducts. The breast itself is made up of lobules, ducts, and fatty, connective, and lymphatic tissue.

Lymph_ is a clear fluid that contains immune system cells. The fluid is carried in lymph vessels that lead to small, pea-sized collections of tissue called lymph nodes. Most lymphatic vessels of the breast lead to lymph nodes under the arm called axillary nodes.