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HISTOLOGY AND CYTOCHEMISTRY OF HUMAN SKIN XXXV. THE NIPPLE AND AREOLA
Author(s) -
MONTAGNA WILLIAM
Publication year - 1970
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1970.tb15021.x
Subject(s) - histology , cytochemistry , pathology , medicine , anatomy , dermatology , biology , ultrastructure
SUMMARY.— The undersurface of the epidermis covering the tip of the nipple resembles that found in tactile surfaces; at the sides of the nipple the undersurface is more shallow, and in the areola it has an even, honeycombed appearance. These are distinctive structural signatures of the areas. The nipple is glabrous and the areola largely so. Lactiferous ducts and sebaceous and apocrine glands open only at the tip of the nipple, mostly grouped toward the centre. Glands of Montgomery (accessory mammary glands), clusters of large sebaceous glands, a few scattered eccrine sweat glands, some apocrine glands, and a few vellus hairs toward the periphery are the appendages of the areola. Lactiferous ducts and sebaceous glands contain numbers of melanotic melanocytes among their epithelial cells. Sensory nerve end‐organs are found only at the tip of the nipple; there are practically none demonstrable at the sides of the nipple or at the areola. Many nerves are loosely wrapped around the lactiferous ducts, from the lactiferous sinus to the surface. These are probably afferent nerve fibres that convey sensory impulses. Nipples and areolae have a bountiful framework of elastic fibres that give these structures rigidity and support, anchor smooth muscle fibres, keep the lactiferous ducts and sinuses from collapsing, and attach the epidermis. The nipples and areolae of women, men, girls, and boys are qualitatively identical hut quantitatively very different.