During pregnancy, the breast responds to a complex interaction of hormones, including estrogens, progesterone, and prolactin, that mediate the completion of its development, namely lobuloalveolar maturation, in preparation of lactation and breastfeeding.

The Breast is a multidisciplinary open access journal for researchers and clinicians, which focuses on translational and clinical research for the advancement of breast cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all stages.

24 women talk about their breasts. No Photoshop, just real photos, as we explore the complex relationship these women have with their breasts.

Each breast is divided into four quadrants-Upper inner, upper outer, lower inner, and lower outer, as well as a central portion that contains the areola and nipple.

Breasts come in all different shapes and sizes. Nipples can be long or inverted, dark or pale. One breast is often longer than the other, consistent with the asymmetry of most body parts. Now, scroll through to see the beautiful diversity of breasts.

Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the breast grow out of control and form tumours. If left unchecked, the tumours can spread throughout the body and become fatal.

The breast primarily consists of mammary glands surrounded by connective tissue stroma. The mammary glands contain ducts and lobules essential for lactation, while the stroma provides structural support and contains fibrous and fatty elements.

It’s what most bra manufacturers model their designs after. But there are countless variations in breast shape, areola size, and nipple color — and all are completely normal.

The Breast is an international, multidisciplinary journal for researchers and clinicians, which focuses on translational and clinical research for the advancement of breast cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all stages.

The primary function of the breasts, as mammary glands, is the nourishing of an infant with breast milk. Milk is produced in milk-secreting cells in the alveoli.