The Nipple

The Nipple

A little below the centre of the convex subcutaneous surface, 

the nipple projects as a small conical or cylindrical 

eminence. In the non- pendulous breast, it lies in the 4th 

intercostals space about 4” away from the middle line.

 Its surface is warnkled and is of pink color and it is 

pierced by 15 to 20 Lactiferous ducts coming from the 

lobes of the same number.

 In addition to its ducts and numerous vessels, the nipple contains plain muscular fibers which on contraction due to some physical excitement causes it erection.

The Areola :  The base of the nipple is surrounded 

by a circular area of pigmented skin, called the Areola.

 In the virgin it is pinkish or rosy in colour; in 2nd month 

of 1st pregnancy it changes from pink to brown and 

as the pregnancy abvances, it becomes dark brown or

 even black but never regains the former pink colour, 

It contains a number of sebaceous glands (areolar glands)

 Which enlarge during lactation giving the appearance of small elevations under the skin

e)         Structure of the Breast

            1)         Glandular tissue.

2)         Fibrous tissue.

3)         Fatty tissue.

The Glandular : Forms 15-20 lobes which are divided into lobules. The lobes converge towards the nipple, where each opens by similar number of Lactiferous Ducts. Reaching the under surface of the areola, each duct is dilated to from the Lactiferous Sinus which serves as reservoir for milk.

The Fibrous Tissue: Forms the storma or framework of the gland connecting the lobes. The fibrous bands that traverse through the interlobular spaces connect the skin with the underlying deep fascia called the suspensory Ligaments (of Cooper), thus the gland remains anchored to the overlying skin.

The Fatty Tissue: Covers the surface of the gland and fills the gaps and fills the gaps in the parenchyma. It gives the rounded appearance of the organ. There is no fat beneath the areola and inpple.

Arter Supply

            1)         Lateral thoracic artery from the 2nd part of the Auxiliary artery.

2)         Perforating branches from the internal thoracic (mammary) artery of the 2nd, 3rd & 4th spaces.

3)         Mammary branches from the 2nd, 3rd & 4th Anterior intercostals arteries

g)         Venous drainage

The veins form a network the areola from where lager veins pass to the circumference of the gland and open into the auxiliary and Internal thoracic (mammary) veins.