Recognize the Anatomy of Women's Breasts

The anatomy of a woman's breast is not as simple as it looks. Organs that are one of the attractions of this woman, have a role in sexual activity while also functioning as a means of providing breast milk for babies. The breast consists of fat and connective tissue, in addition there are lobes, lobules, breast milk channels, blood vessels, and lymph nodes in it. The lobe is the part of the breast that is divided into several lobules. These small glands or lobules that will produce milk.

Consists of Various Networks

Breast tissue is formed since the beginning of fetal life, which is at the 4th week. The network develops together with two milk ducts that start in the armpits. Breasts do not have muscle tissue. The shape and size of the breast is determined by how much fat tissue is present in the breast. The connective tissue and ligaments in the breast play a role in maintaining the anatomical structure of the breast. The nerves contained in it function to give sensation to the breast. The breast also contains blood vessels, lymph vessels, and lymph nodes. Blood vessels through the arteries and capillaries, blood flow containing oxygen and nutrients in breast tissue.

Breast and Function Parts

Human breasts develop during puberty and the condition does not change throughout life. During pregnancy, the breasts experience significant changes along with the stimulation of the hormone estrogen, causing the breasts to appear to be getting bigger, and the color of the areola around the nipples to be darker. In the breast, the anatomy of the breast that plays a role in the production of breast milk includes:

• Lobe

Women's breasts normally have 15-20 lobes. This breast lobe will be divided into smaller parts, called lobules.

• Lobulus

In each lobe, there are the lobules or breast glands. These lobules play a role in producing breast milk in nursing mothers.

• Duct

Breast milk produced by the lobes and lobules will be carried through small channels called ducts. With this channel, the milk can be removed through the nipple.

Although each woman's breasts are different, the amount of milk-producing tissue is almost the same. Thus, regardless of smaller or larger physical size, the amount of milk produced by each breastfeeding mother is generally more or less the same.

Medical conditions that can occur in the breast

Breast health condition is one that must be considered by women. One risk to the breast is the possibility of having an infection in the tissue, especially during lactation, which is called mastitis. In addition, what needs to be watched is the appearance of a lump or mass in the breast, which can be classified as cancer or not. Lumps that often occur in the breast are fibrocystic or breast cysts. While in women aged between 15 and 35 years, fibroadenoma is more common. Fibroadenoma is a type of benign tumor that feels like a small lump in the breast and doesn't hurt.

Routine Examination and Early Detection of Breast Cancer

For women, doing regular checks can help detect abnormal breast conditions. In Indonesia, self-examination is usually referred to as breast self-examination (BSE). Breast examination is also important for early cancer detection. In women aged 40-54 years it is also recommended to do a breast examination in the form of a mammogram to detect the early signs of the appearance of cancer cells once a year. Women over 55 years are advised to have a mammogram every 2 years, or according to doctor's instructions. If you find changes in the breast, such as arising of thickened tissue, changes in shape or size of the breast, a rash around the nipple, blood coming out of the nipple, or changes in appearance of the nipple, immediately see a doctor to get an examination. Likewise, if you experience symptoms in the form of ongoing pain in the breast or armpit, this needs to be aware of. Moreover, if found a lump or swelling around the armpit. Love yourself by taking care of your health, including breast health. Getting to know breast anatomy, normal conditions and signs of abnormality, and seeing a doctor regularly, can make you more quickly know if there are changes or symptoms in the breast.