The breasts develop in females at puberty.

After a baby has been born the production of milk is stimulated by the hormones prolactin and oxytocin, both produced by the pituitary gland.

Milk is secreted by glandular lobules. The lactiferous ducts then transport milk to the nipple.

The nipple is the conical protuberance in each breast from which the lactiferous ducts discharge.

They contain erectile tissue and are surrounded by a pigmented area called the areola.