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Glossary

The Healthy Breast  

The normal breast consists of a system of milk glands (called lobes), milk ducts, and fat. Each breast has 15 to 20 lobes. Within each lobe are smaller lobules, which end in tiny bulbs that secrete milk. The lobes, lobules, and bulbs (called acini) are all connected to each other through a network of thin collecting ducts, like the branches of a tree. The ducts from many lobules join together to form larger ducts that terminate in the nipple. A circle of darkened skin, usually light brown to tan surrounds the nipple, called the areola.

Fat surrounds the spaces around the lobes and lobules and gives the breast its softness, size, and shape. 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 or channels that carry colorless fluid called lymph. Lymph vessels lead to small bean-shaped organs called lymph nodes. Clusters of lymph nodes are found near the breast in the axilla (the armpit, under the arm), above the collarbone, and in the chest. Level 1 axillary lymph nodes are located in the underarm and receive most of the lymph fluid from the breast. Level 2 nodes are farther up and receive the fluid from Level 1 and some fluid from the breast as well. Level 3 nodes are below the collarbone and receive fluid from Levels 1 and 2 and from the upper part of the breast. Other lymph nodes and lymph vessels are located throughout the entire body and can be a common site of cancer spread for many types of cancer.





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This content is reviewed regularly. Last Updated 6/6/2007



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