Medical term:
thele
nipple
[nip´'l]1. the pigmented projection at the tip of each breast; it is smaller in men than women. In women it gives outlet to the lactiferous ducts. Called also mammary papilla, mammilla, and teat.
2. any structure shaped like the nipple of the breast; see papilla.
The nipples are located slightly to the side rather than in the middle of the breasts. Usually, the size of the nipple is in proportion to the size of the breast, but large nipples may be found on small breasts and vice versa.
Surrounding the nipple is a pigmented area called the areola. The color of the areola varies with the complexion. In childless women, it is usually reddish. During pregnancy it increases in size and darkens in color, becoming almost black in brunettes. The color fades after the milk-producing period ends. The tip of the female nipple contains tiny depressions that are openings of the lactiferous ducts. During pregnancy special care should be given the nipples. Any secretion that accumulates should be gently washed off. If the nipples are tender, the physician will advise the use of cold cream, cocoa butter, lanolin, or another emollient to increase their pliability.
The nipples are located slightly to the side rather than in the middle of the breasts. Usually, the size of the nipple is in proportion to the size of the breast, but large nipples may be found on small breasts and vice versa.
Surrounding the nipple is a pigmented area called the areola. The color of the areola varies with the complexion. In childless women, it is usually reddish. During pregnancy it increases in size and darkens in color, becoming almost black in brunettes. The color fades after the milk-producing period ends. The tip of the female nipple contains tiny depressions that are openings of the lactiferous ducts. During pregnancy special care should be given the nipples. Any secretion that accumulates should be gently washed off. If the nipples are tender, the physician will advise the use of cold cream, cocoa butter, lanolin, or another emollient to increase their pliability.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
nip·ple
(nip'ĕl), [TA]A bulblike or buttonlike projection at the apex of the breast on the surface of which the lactiferous ducts open; it is surrounded by a circular pigmented area, the areola.
Synonym(s): papilla mammae [TA], mammilla (2) , papilla of breast, teat (1) , thele, thelium (3)
[dim. of A.S. neb, beak, nose (?)]
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
nipple
(nĭp′əl)n.
1.
a. The small projection near the center of the mammary gland containing the outlets of the milk ducts through which young mammals obtain milk from the adult female; a teat.
b. A corresponding projection of the male breast.
2.
a. The rubber cap on a bottle from which a baby nurses.
b. A pacifier for an infant.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
nip·ple
(nip'ĕl) [TA]A blunt conic projection at the apex of the breast on the surface of which the lactiferous ducts open; it is surrounded by a circular pigmented area, the areola.
Synonym(s): mammilla (2) , teat (1) , thelium (3) .
Synonym(s): mammilla (2) , teat (1) , thelium (3) .
[dim. of A.S. neb, beak]
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
nipple
The conical or cylindrical projection from the breast that is surrounded by a darker areola. The female nipple is larger than that of the male and is perforated by the ducts of the milk-secreting segments of the breast.Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005
nipple
a conical projection at the centre of a mammary gland on which the milk ducts have outlets.Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005
Patient discussion about nipple
Q. I am observing some change in the nipple of my left breast. Can anyone give information? I am 44 year old women and from some days I am observing some change in the nipple of my left breast. My nipple is drawn inside. My haggard nipple apart from itching burns as well. The size of my left breast is increased. Some bloody discharge from nipple is giving indication that there is something happening wrong. I doubt if it may be a breast cancer. Can anyone give some information?
A. the fact that bloody discharge from the nipple is probably a bad sign is clear. now what you need to do is to go and see a Dr. about it. it can be an infection in the mammary glands, or even Fibrocystic breast disease. so get yourself to a Dr....
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