Mammaire

Mammaire refers to the mammary glands and related structures in humans and other mammals. The term is used in anatomy and medicine to describe the breast region and its functions, especially lactation. The word originates from Latin mamma, via French.

In humans, the breasts sit on the chest wall over the pectoral muscles and consist of glandular tissue, fat, and connective tissue. Each breast contains lobes and lobules that form alveoli, which secrete milk. Lactiferous ducts collect milk and channel it to the nipple, which is surrounded by the pigmented areola. The nipple contains openings of the ducts. The breast tissue is supplied by arteries such as the internal thoracic and lateral thoracic vessels and innervated by intercostal nerves.

Development and function: at puberty, hormonal changes promote breast development. During pregnancy, glandular tissue proliferates, preparing for lactation. After birth, milk production is stimulated by prolactin, while oxytocin triggers milk ejection (the let-down reflex). Breast milk provides nutrition and immune protection for infants.

Variation and health: breast anatomy varies widely in size and composition among individuals and populations. Most adult females have more glandular and ductal tissue, while males usually have less; gynecomastia can occur in males. Common health considerations include benign conditions such as mastitis and fibrocystic changes, and malignant conditions such as breast cancer, which requires medical evaluation and screening.

Evolution and taxonomy: mammary glands are a defining feature of mammals and have evolved to nourish offspring. While all mammals nurse, the number and arrangement of mammary glands and nipples vary across species.