< previous page | page_9 | next page >
Page 9
| fluences. The area around the nipple is known as the areola. Within the nipple there are milk ducts, sensory nerves and small involuntary muscles which contract under the influence of temperature and sexual stimulation. |
| Within each breast there are 15 to 20 lobes, each of which sends a duct to the nipple. The ducts join together to form larger openings. The lobes divide into 20 to 40 smaller lobules. Within the lobules are alveoli which secrete the milk to be sent through the ducts to the nipple. This process is under the control of the pituitary gland in the brain. |
| The Urinary Tract |
| The structure of the lower part of the female urinary tract can be the reason for frequent urinary tract problems including inflammation and infection. Since this is a common complaint in female health, it is included in this book. |
| The urinary tract includes the two kidneys which are situated posteriorly in the midback region. Each of these kidneys has a structure (the ureter) which connects to the urinary bladder located in the lower abdomen in front of the uterus. From the bladder, another tube extends down to just above the vagina. In women, this structure is much shorter than in men. It is also closer to the rectum, which may increase the likelihood of urinary tract infection from rectal bacteria. It is not unusual for women to mistake a vaginal infection for a urinary tract infection or vice versa due to the proximity of symptoms for each. |
< previous page | page_9 | next page >

If you like this book, buy it!