Cancerbackup: The breasts

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The 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.


Two diagrams, one showing the lymph nodes close to the breast and a second showing the structures of the breast.

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.

There are also lymph nodes just beside the breastbone and behind the collarbones.


Content last reviewed: 01 September 2008
Page last modified: 14 January 2009

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