Breast Anatomy

In order to understand breast augmentation surgery, a general knowledge of breast anatomy is often helpful. This section will explain the structure and functions of the breast, and define commonly used terms.

Breasts start developing between the ages of 9-14 years for most women, when hormonal changes associated with puberty begin to occur. The mammary glands, or milk producing areas, lie between the pectoralis major muscle and the skin. The glands that make milk in the breast are arranged into rounded areas called lobules. 15-20 of these lobules exists per breast. Besides glands, the breast contains fatty tissue, ducts that carry milk to the nipple, and small amounts of muscle that open and close the nipple. Below is a side view of the breast describing the following structures:

  1. Skin
  2. Fatty Tissue
  3. Fascia (superficial and deep) - This is a type of tissue that is found between muscles and different tissue layers in the body. It helps hold tissues together.
  4. Coopers ligament - This is the body's own natural bra. This ligament helps hold the breast up and keeps it from sagging.
  5. Acini - The "sack-like" end of the channel that carries milk. The surrounding glandular, or milk producing tissue dumps milk into these small areas before it is carried away in the ducts.
  6. Areola - Another term for nipple.
  7. Main Duct - The milk from the 15-20 lobules all collects into this duct.
  8. Glandular tissue - The part of the breast that produces the milk.
  9. Retromammary Space - An area below the breast tissue, but still above the muscle.
  10. Pectoralis (Major and Minor) - The muscles lying directly beneath the breast.
  11. Axilla - Another term for armpit.
  12. Ribs