Milk production, propulsion, storage, and effective transfer depend on the arrangement of breast glands, ducts, and the areolar region.
Milk production and movement
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The breast contains milk glands embedded in supporting tissue and fat. The glands consist of clusters of tiny milk-producing sacs.
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Myoepithelial cells surrounding the glands propel milk into lactiferous ducts toward the nipple.
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Before opening at the nipple, the ducts widen into lactiferous sinuses that store milk. These lie beneath the junction of the areola and the rest of the breast.
Areola, nipple, and attachment
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Tiny oil-producing glands on the areola keep the nipple skin soft.
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The rich nerve supply of the areola and nipples makes them extremely sensitive to the baby's suckling.
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For efficient milk transfer, the neonate's gumline must overlie the junction of the areola and the rest of the breast.