Breasts

Breasts

Breasts

Breasts or mammary glands form part of the chest area in human females and are designed to produce milk for the nurturing of the young. Breasts are comprised of fatty tissue, alveoli, groups of milk producing ducts known as lobules and a nipple. The female hormone oestrogen is directly responsible for the formation of breasts, which happens at the start of puberty. Along with the development of other sexual characteristics such as menstruation, weight gain, especially around the hips, thighs and buttocks, and the appearance of pubic hair, these are all signifiers of becoming a woman.

As breasts are mainly comprised of fatty tissue they can increase in size, for example, during pregnancy, or as a result of increased weight gain. They can also reduce in size due to weight loss or at menopause which may be due to decreased oestrogen levels. Many women are unhappy with the shape and size of their breasts and look to change this by such means as cosmetic surgery. Often influenced by current fashion trends, they will undergo surgery in order to achieve a physical ideal.

The breasts are also a source of sexual arousal to many men who view this as highly attractive objects of desire. They play an important part in sexual behaviour and are seen in the West and other cultures as a signifier of maturity and fertility.