The Anatomy of the lactating human breast has recently been redefined with ultrasound imaging. Ramsay, Kent, Hartmann, and Hartman, conducted research in 2005 that overturned a number of commonly accepted conclusions about the female breast. This cutting-edge research on the anatomy of the lactating breast may change anatomy textbooks that have been used for many years.

Researchers investigated the lactating breast using sophisticated ultrasound technology. This research has important implications for both lactating and non-lactating women.

This research also has dispelled previous beliefs that the breast held milk sinuses where breast milk would collect. Previous research indicated that women have between fifteen to twenty ducts in each breast. With the use of new imaging techniques the research team discovered that women have an average of only nine ducts with some women having as few as four ducts present.  Lactation professionals will benefit from a new understanding of the lactating breast when aiding mothers in learning to breastfeed.

These new images of breast anatomy demonstrate the true complexity and ingenuity of the human breast.   Breast augmentation and reduction surgeons will also benefit from this research realizing that the loss of only a few ducts during surgery can seriously affect a woman’s ability to breastfeed successfully.  Breastfeeding mothers will also have a better understanding of the way their breasts actually work to produce milk whick may help in the overall breastfeedign experience.

Key points of the new research-

-Ducts branch closer to the nipple than previously thought

-The number of milk ducts in the breast is much lower than previously believed

-The conventionally described lactiferous sinuses do not store milk and do not exist

-Glandular tissue is actually found closer to the nipple

-Subcutaneous fat is minimal at the base of the nipple area

-A rapid first milk ejection is important for efficient milk removal and supply

Medela has published a number of great quality full color pictures of the lactating breast from this research.

Breastfeeding.com also has a description and illustration of a working breast and the infant suckling. Be sure to scroll down and check out the color graphic of an infant nursing as well.