nipple
Sign in to saveThe nipple is a raised region of tissue on the surface of the breast from which, in lactating females, milk from the mammary gland leaves the body through the lactiferous ducts to nurse an infant. The milk can flow through the nipple passively, or it can be ejected by smooth muscle contractions that occur along with the ductal system. The nipple is surrounded by the areola, which is often a darker colour than the surrounding skin.
AI overview
The nipple is a raised area on the breast that serves as the opening through which milk exits the mammary gland to feed an infant. It can release milk either passively or through muscle contractions, and is typically surrounded by a darker-colored region of skin called the areola.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Key facts
- Anatomy.Name
- Nipple
- Anatomy.Latin
- papilla mammaria
- Anatomy.Image
- Closeup of female breast.jpg
- Anatomy.Caption
- Nipple, areola and breast of a woman
- Anatomy.Width
- 350
- Anatomy.Caption2
- The dark pigmented areola surrounding a nipple of a young female human
- Anatomy.part_of
- Breast
via Wikipedia infobox
Article
19 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- Structure
- Function
- Clinical significance
- Pain
- Discharge
- Appearance
- Breast cancer
- Vertical transmission
- Other disorders
- Surgery
- Society and culture
- Exposure
- Sexuality
- Piercings
- In business
- See also
- References
- External links
The nipple is a raised region of tissue on the surface of the breast from which, in lactating females, milk from the mammary gland leaves the body through the lactiferous ducts to nurse an infant. The milk can flow through the nipple passively, or it can be ejected by smooth muscle contractions that occur along with the ductal system. The nipple is surrounded by the areola, which is often a darker colour than the surrounding skin.
When referring to non-humans, the female nipple is often called a teat. "Nipple" or "teat" can also be used to describe the flexible mouthpiece of a baby bottle. Male mammals also have nipples, but without the same level of function or prominence.