Nipple

Nipple

The nipple is a raised region of tissue on the surface of the breast from which, in females, milk is secreted. The milk can flow through the nipple passively or it can be ejected by smooth muscle contractions that occur along the milk ducts in response to suckling by offspring.

Anatomy

The nipple is surrounded by the areola which is often a darker color than the surrounding skin. It is often associated with the mammary gland due to the common use in both males and females. In the male, the nipple does not serve a purpose.

Clinical significance

Changes to the nipple can be a sign of numerous conditions. Some of these changes can be a sign of breast cancer. Most changes to the nipple are not cancerous.

Society and culture

In some cultures, the exposure of nipples is considered immodest and in some jurisdictions there are laws against indecent exposure – which includes exposure of the nipples by females.

See also

• Breastfeeding
• Mammary gland
• Areola
• Breast cancer

Nipple Resources
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