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CANCER TYPE > BREAST > GENERAL > THE BREASTSThe structure and function of the breasts
The breasts are made up of fat, connective tissue and glandular tissue that contains lobes. The lobes are where breast milk is produced. A network of milk ducts connects the lobes to the nipple.
A woman's breasts are rarely the same size as each other, and may feel different at different times of the menstrual cycle, sometimes becoming lumpy just before a period.
Under the skin, an area of breast tissue extends into the armpit (axilla). The armpits also contain a collection of lymph nodes (lymph glands), which are part of the lymphatic system.
Page last modified: 06 October 2008
