The inner portion of the breast is filled with gland tissue. The gland-tissue of the mammary region is a pale reddish color with a firm texture and a circular shape. The gland tissue forms a ring of |lobes| consisting of numerous small |lobules|, or |alveoli|. The grape-like clusters of |alveoli| surround the small lactiferous ducts. Each |lobe| has a system of ducts for the passage of milk from the |alveoli| to the |nipple|. The lactiferous ducts unite to form larger ducts so that only one duct leads to an openings in the |nipple|.
