The word "areola mammae" refers to the circular pigmented area around the nipple of the female breast. It is pronounced /əˈriːələ ˈmæmi/ and spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as "uh-ree-uh-luh ma-mee". The first syllable "uh" sounds like the "u" in "but", and the second syllable "ee" sounds like the "e" in "be". The stress is on the second syllable. The spelling accurately represents the word's pronunciation, making it easier for speakers of different languages to understand and communicate.
Areola mammae refers to a distinct anatomical feature found in mammals, particularly in female individuals. It describes the circular or oval pigmented area surrounding the nipple on the breast. The term specifically pertains to the skin around the nipple and is commonly referred to as the areola.
The areola mammae serves multiple functions. It contains numerous sebaceous glands that secrete oils to keep the area moisturized. These glands also produce a scent that may attract the nursing offspring. Additionally, the areola possesses small raised bumps called Montgomery's glands, which secrete a lubricant that aids in breastfeeding.
The coloration of the areola may vary depending on several factors such as ethnicity, hormonal changes, and reproductive stage. In general, it tends to be darker than the surrounding breast tissues due to the presence of melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin. This darkening is believed to aid newborns in locating the nipple during breastfeeding.
During pregnancy, the areola often undergoes further changes. For example, it may become larger and darker due to hormonal influences, but may gradually return to its original size and color after childbirth.
Overall, the areola mammae is an integral part of the female breast anatomy, playing a crucial role in reproduction and lactation.
A circular pigmented area surrounding the nipple or papilla mammae; its surface is dotted with little projections due to the presence of the areolar, or Montgomery's, glands beneath.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "areola mammae" is derived from Latin.
- "Areola" comes from the Latin word "areola", meaning a small space, courtyard, or dimple. In anatomy, it refers to a small circular area or region of specialized skin around a nipple.
- "Mammae" is the Latin plural of "mamma", which means breast or mammary gland.
So, "areola mammae" can be literally translated as "the circular area around the breast". It is the anatomical term used to describe the pigmented area surrounding the nipple on the breast.