The nipple is the raised projection at the centre of the breast where 15-20 lactiferous ducts open. It is surrounded by the areola, a ring of pigmented skin containing small raised areolar (Montgomery) glands. Smooth muscle in both contracts with cold, touch or breastfeeding, making the nipple firm and erect.
| Location | Centre of the breast, typically over the 4th intercostal space in males and non-lactating breasts |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | 4th intercostal nerve (anterior and lateral cutaneous branches) |
| Blood Supply | Internal thoracic and lateral thoracic artery branches |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Delivers milk to the nursing infant; the areolar glands lubricate and protect the skin during breastfeeding.
In men the nipple usually lies at the 4th intercostal space and marks the T4 dermatome. A newly inverted nipple, bloody discharge from a single duct, or an eczema-like rash on the nipple (possible Paget disease) needs investigation for underlying cancer. Cracked, painful nipples are common in the early weeks of breastfeeding, usually from poor latch.
A scaly, eczema-like change of the nipple linked to an underlying breast cancer.
Fluid from the nipple; bloody or single-duct discharge can signal a duct papilloma or cancer.
Painful fissures from breastfeeding, often due to poor attachment.
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