Although the primary function of the breasts is production of milk for the new born baby, the female breasts also play an important role in female sexual behavior.

Stimulation of the breasts enhances the sexual pleasure of a woman. Getting to know more about your breasts will help you maintain good breast health.

*Milk producing and transporting tissues

* Structural tissues

Skin protects the deeper structures and the nipple and Areola. The nipple is the protruding part of the breast, central in position and darker in color.

Areola is the circular area surrounding the nipple.This is usually darker than the surrounding skin.

Pimply bumps on the Areola are montgomery’s tubercles, which secrete an oily substance that lubricates and protects the nipple.

* Lobes and lobules: Areola consists of 15–20 lobes, each made up of smaller lobules. The lobules are the milk glands. * Ducts: Connected to the lobuleAreola systmontgomerys, which transport milk from lobules to the nipple

Structural tissues

Fatty tissue acts like a cushion and serves to protect the structures of the breast and to give it the shape.

Connective tissue supports and contains the breast's milk producing glands.

Nerves provide triggering mechanism for milk production and also contribute to sexual pleasure

* Blood Vessels transport nourishment and oxygen to the Cells in the breasts.

* Lymphatic System absorbs excess blood fluids from the tissues and eventually returns these fluids to the circulatory system.

* Lymph Nodes function as filters in the lymph vessels, trapping bacteria, and toxins.

There are 3 major hormones that are responsible for the development and functions of the breast:

* Estrogen: Maintains the secondary sex characters and organs, such as mammary glands, uterus, vagina, and fallopian tubes

 Progesterone: Plays an important role in menstrual cycles and in the maintenance of pregnancy.

* Prolactin: Stimulates the secretion of milk after pregnancy.

# Maintains the secondary sex characters and organs, such as mammary glands, uterus, vagina, and fallopian tubes Progesterone: Plays an important role in menstrual cycles and in the maintenance of pregnancy.

# Prolactin: Stimulates the secretion of milk after pregnancy.

Breast development occurs in three distinct stages throughout a woman's life, first before birth, at puberty and during the childbearing years. The first visible signs of breast development occur when a girl reaches adolescence.

Phase 1 ...(Preadolescent) only the tip of the nipple is raised

Phase 2....Buds appear, breast and nipple raised, and the Areola (dark area of skin that surrounds the nipple) enlarges

Phase 3... Breasts are slightly larger with glandular breast tissue present

phase 4....The Areola and nipple become raised and form a second mound above the rest of the breast

Phase 5....Mature adult breast; the breast becomes rounded and only the nipple is raised

With the beginning and normalization of Ovulation and menstruation, the breasts further mature and secretory glands begin developing at the site of the milk ducts. During breast development there could be small nodules, which is normal. Several glands and lobules also develop, facilitating further growth and development of the breasts. Pregnancy and nursing may further increases breast size. Old age makes the fatty tissue of the breasts more visible and the breasts may feel softer. Breast size slowly reduces after Menopause.

* Exercise regularly.

* Eat low-fat, high-fiber and whole grain foods.

* Eat plenty of vegetables everyday.

* Wash fruits and vegetables, to reduce exposure to potentially toxic chemicals.

* Eating foods daily which are high in phytoestrogens (plant estrogens or isoflavones) such as soy, lentils and grains help in reducing the risk of breast cancer.    

* Studies show that consumption of alcohol and caffeine and smoking increase the risk of breast cancer.