Brustwarzenkanäle

Brustwarzenkanäle, also known as lactiferous ducts, are a network of small tubes within the breast responsible for transporting milk from the milk-producing lobules to the nipple. There are typically between 15 and 20 such ducts in each breast, originating in the lobules located in the glandular tissue. These ducts converge as they approach the nipple, widening slightly in a reservoir-like area called the lactiferous sinus, where milk can be stored temporarily before ejection.

During breastfeeding, hormonal signals trigger the release of oxytocin, which causes the muscles surrounding the lobules and ducts to contract, pushing milk through the lactiferous ducts and out of the nipple openings. The number and diameter of these ducts can vary between individuals and may change throughout a woman's life, particularly during pregnancy and lactation when they enlarge and become more developed to facilitate milk production and transport. Blockages or inflammation of the Brustwarzenkanäle can lead to conditions like mastitis or nipple discharge.