A woman experiences phase of development in breasts through out her life. It starts right from the fetus till a woman reaches menopause stage. Though major development of breast occurs at the puberty that is to say till a girl reaches the age of 18-20 but certain breast functions are fulfilled only with pregnancy and child birth.
No doubt breast are considered as sex appeal for women but there is more to serve on breast side on terms with biological functions. A majpr function of breast in woman is secretion of milk during child birth and this is considered as something that makes a woman complete.
Anatomy of Breast
Breasts in woman are identified as mammary gland responsible for secretion of milk as she reaches the stage of child birth. At the time of birth both male and female possess same structure of breast but with times on secretion of oestrogen hormone, girls develop more prominent breast and men breast are stagnated there only. In some cases men also experience expansion of breast due to certain hormonal malfunctioning.
Describing breast- breast contains one nipple each surrounded by aerola which is mostly pink or dark brown in color. The milk is produced by mammary glands dispersed systematically around the breast with 2/3 of tissues at 30mm to nipple region. Apart these ducts, rest of the breast are supported by connective tissues and ligaments.
Five stages of breast development
Stage 1- (Preadolescent) only the tip of the nipple is raised
Technically this stages start since fetus existence and remains same in both genders till the child is born. A very minute development of breast is observed in these years after birth. And breasts here are referred to as ‘Buds’. Whereas females’ breast grows further from this stage in puberty, in males they remain to this level throughout the life.
Stage 2- Buds appear, breast and nipple raised, and the areola (dark area of skin that surrounds the nipple) enlarges
This stage is characterized as buds enlarge in preparation of ducts formation. The nipples also take erect and more prominence with enhancement of aerola. It often becomes embarrassing as vibrancy of nipple is felt in clothing also. A girl experience menarche almost after 4 years of this stage.
Stage 3- Breast glandular tissue erupts with slight enlargement of breast
This stage does not exhibit vivid development in breast shape. If it at all occurs than it can be observed on very minute observation. The internal preparation of hormones of breast development takes it leap and gives rise to glandular tissues. First menstruation cycle usually happens in this stage. However some girls skip this stage.
Stage 4- Prominence in areola and nipple and formation of a second mound above the rest of the breast
The breast enlarges in size as formation of second mound over the breast takes place. It is also known as secondary swelling under aerola. This stage may be painful as skin stretches considerably but is adjusted with period of time. This stage mostly occurs in early teens and can be delayed to early twenties in some girls. A very crucial stages in breast development needs to be handled carefully by educating girls. Breast should be supported by bra at this stage
Stage 5- Mature adult breast
This stage is identified by the completion of breast development cycle. The breast becomes fuller and nipples are raised and usually this is the size which a woman normally retains whole of her life. However the stagnation in size can be reverted with unusual weight gain or loss and at the time of pregnancy and child birth. The ducts, tissues and cells in breast are completely matured in this stage.
Seemingly the breast development is considered complete in these stages but a major development in woman’s breast occurs at the time of pregnancy and child birth. The breast develops for the process of lactation (milk secretion) which is the primary role of woman’s breast.
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