2006-10-18 02:15:08 · 8 answers · asked by Hobby 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
There is a reason why the areola's color differs from that of the rest of the breast. The areola is roughly where the ducts of the mammary glands are. Careful inspection of a mature human nipple will reveal 15-20 small openings arranged radially around the tip of the nipple (lactiferous ducts) from where milk is released during lactation. Other small openings in the areola are sebaceous glands which may provide a little oily lubrication during lactation, otherwise known as Montgomery's glands (or glands of Montgomery).
2006-10-18 02:17:33 · answer #1 · answered by Nigi-magic 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No one really knows the answer to this question, of course, but biologically, there has to be a very good reason for their presence. Let's begin with a few simple observations. Humans are the only species that have them(areoleae). Humans are the only species that have permanently enlarged breasts. All other specie's breasts only enlarge during lactation, and they shrink to essentially nothing at other times. Humans are the only species that find the breast to be sexy or a sexual attractant. Humans are the only species that have their lips turned "inside out", and our females adorn their lips with all manner of color enhancers to become more attractive to the opposite sex. Humans are one of the few mammalian species that maintain a "pair bond" between individuals of opposite sex. Wolves are another such species that mate for life. What is going on here?
One theory holds that as we shifted away from a chimpanzee lifestyle to become meat eating hunters, we had to become more like wolves, and so it became advantageous to have pair bonds between the sexes, as wolves do. This meant that sex became ever more important as a way to maintain the pair bond. Since the male is attracted to a pair of large fleshy globes for mating purposes, why not have a new second set of large fleshy globes on the female's chest? This will attract him around to the front and therefore make sexual intercourse far more personal and therefore it will better encourage this new thing called the pair bond. The areolae are just further adornments, that are loaded with nerve endings that both sexes enjoy stimulating during mating, that further attract the male around to the front, and therefore enhance the pair bond. It's just a theory, but it makes sense to my science oriented mind. I am sorry for being perhaps too scientific for you, if that is the case.
2006-10-18 02:45:01 · answer #2 · answered by Sciencenut 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In anatomy, the term areola (diminutive of Latin area, "open place") is used to describe any small circular area such as the colored skin surrounding the nipple. While it is most commonly used to describe the pigmented ring around the human nipple, it can also be used to describe other small circular areas such as the inflamed area surrounding a pimple.
2006-10-18 02:18:04 · answer #3 · answered by sugarplum9903 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To give the baby more to hold onto when feeding
2006-10-18 03:20:41 · answer #4 · answered by swelwynemma 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when breastfeeding the colour turns very very dark, and aids the baby to milk. -pretty much like a target. its very fascinating
2006-10-18 02:23:19 · answer #5 · answered by gwendolynpearce 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nigimagic and sugarplum should get you where you want to go.
2006-10-18 02:26:02 · answer #6 · answered by Charlie Kicksass 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's Braille for "Suck here".
2006-10-18 02:23:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The answer is: LATCHING.
2006-10-18 02:16:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋