The presence of nipples on the bodies of people with ovaries biologically serves two functions: to deliver milk out of the ducts within the breast to babies, But for all genders nipples serve as erogenous zones. Here are certain facts about the nipple which are not so commonly known.
The word “mammary” comes from “mamma,” the Greek and Latin word for the breast, which derives from the cry “mama” uttered by infants and young children, sometimes meaning “I want to feed at the breast.”
The small darkened (pigmented) area around the nipple is called the areola. The word “areola” is the diminutive of the Latin “area” meaning a small space.
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1. THE NIPPLE HAS SWEAT GLANDS
The nipple is just one part of the female anatomy that’s important in breastfeeding; There are sweat glands on the aereola called Montgomery glands that only produce to lubricate the nipple and scent. William Fetherstone Montgomery, an Irish obstetrician, was the first to describe them in 1837 and hence they are named after him as Glands of Montgomery.
2. SOME PEOPLE HAVE EXTRA NIPPLES
Polymastia is a congenital condition where one or more breasts have been derived from a nipple located out of the usual location. For instance, in India, a man was found with seven nipples on his body. This should not cause concern or shame. It is normal.
3. EACH NIPPLES IS UNIQUE
Nipples come in different colors. Every Nipple varies from the other just like the areolae. Nipples can grow and darken during pregnancy due to the hormonal changes that take place in the body.
4. NIPPLES CAN BE IN OR OUT
Nipples can be inverted or pointed outwards. For most women, however, an inverted nipple causes neither pain nor any difficulty while breastfeeding a child so this should not be a matter or concern.
5. WOMEN CAN HAVE NIPPLE HAIR TOO
The human body is covered with hair and it is natural for women to have hair around their nipples. Black, wiry hair growing around the areolas is common and normal part of bodily changes. If it bothers you, check with a doctor but the hair does not hinder in breastfeeding with proper technique or using nipple shields.
6. NIPPLE CAN GET ERECT
The nipple can get erect when exposed to a cold or a drop in temperature in the environment but also during sexual activity, stimulation or while breastfeeding.