The main function of the female breast is to produce milk, known as lactation, which normally occurs after giving birth. Milk is secreted through the nipple which is a pigmented structure situated at the tip of the breast.

There is a dark circular pigmented area surrounding the nipple called the areola which has a rough surface due to sebaceous glands. These glands enlarge during pregnancy and secrete an oily material which is a lubricant for the areola and nipple.

There are about 15 - 20 lobes found in the breast, each of them containing smaller structures, called lobules, which contain groups of milk-secreting glands called alveoli. Special milk ducts transfer milk from the glands to the nipple.

There is a network of connective tissues, known as Cooper’s ligaments, which help to support the breast. The breast shape can change during the aging process, or because of exercise over a long time, by becoming permanently stretched.