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The breasts are made up of fat, connective tissue and glandular tissue that contains lobes. A network of fine tubes called ducts carry breast milk from the lobes to the nipple.
Structure of the breast
View a large copy of the diagram of the structure of the breast|
Under the skin of the chest, an area of breast tissue extends under the armpit. The armpits also contain a collection of lymph nodes (sometimes called lymph glands). Lymph nodes are small and round and are connected to each other by a network of tiny lymphatic vessels. These carry fluid called lymph, which contains cells that help fight infection.
A woman’s breasts are rarely the same size or shape as each other. They feel different at different times of the month, sometimes becoming lumpy and uncomfortable just before a period. As a woman gets older her breasts may become smaller and feel softer.
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