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areola

(ayr-EE-oh-luh)
The area of dark-colored skin on the breast that surrounds the nipple.
Illustration of the female breast anatomy. On the left, a front view shows lymph nodes inside the breast going from the breast to the armpit. On the right, a cross-section shows the chest wall, ribs, fatty tissue, lobes, ducts, and lobules. Also shown in both panels are the muscle, nipple, and areola.Enlarge this image in new window
The female breast contains lobes, lobules, and ducts that produce and transport milk to the nipple. Fatty tissue gives the breast its shape, while muscles and the chest wall provide support. The lymphatic system, including lymph nodes, filter lymph and store white blood cells that help fight infection and disease.
Anatomy of the male breast; drawing shows the lymph nodes, nipple, areola, chest wall, ribs, muscle, fatty tissue, and ducts.Enlarge this image in new window
Anatomy of the male breast. The nipple and areola are shown on the outside of the breast. The lymph nodes, fatty tissue, ducts, and other parts of the inside of the breast are also shown.
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