What are the key functions of nipples. How can you perform a breast self-exam for early cancer detection. What are the main components of breast anatomy. How do male and female breasts differ structurally.

The Anatomy of the Breast: Understanding Its Structure

The breast is a complex organ composed of various tissues and structures, each playing a crucial role in its function. Located atop the chest wall and pectoral muscles, breasts are present in both males and females, though they are more developed in females due to hormonal influences.

Let’s explore the key components that make up the breast anatomy:

• Chest wall
• Pectoral muscles
• Lobules
• Ducts
• Mammary glands
• Fatty tissue

Chest Wall and Pectoral Muscles: The Supportive Foundation

The chest wall forms the base of the breast, consisting of bones, skin, fat, and muscles. It includes the ribs, breastbone, and spine, providing protection for vital organs and supporting breathing and upper limb movement. Pectoral muscles, including the pectoralis major and minor, lie beneath the breasts, offering support and contributing to arm and shoulder movements.

Lobules and Ducts: The Milk Production System

Lobules are glands responsible for milk production in females. These cluster into 15-20 lobes within each breast, radiating around the nipple. Ducts are the tubular structures that transport milk from the lobules to the nipple. The terminal ductal lobular unit, comprising lobules and a duct, is where most breast cancers originate.

Mammary Glands and Fatty Tissue: Shaping the Breast

Mammary glands are specialized apocrine glands primarily located in the chest region, with a portion extending to the axilla. Their main function in females is milk secretion. Fatty tissue, along with fibrous connective tissue, fills the spaces between glandular and fibrous structures, determining breast size and shape.

The Multifaceted Functions of Nipples

Nipples serve several important functions in both males and females, though their primary role is more pronounced in females. Understanding these functions can provide insights into breast health and development.

Milk Production and Delivery in Females

The primary biological function of female nipples is to deliver milk to infants. During pregnancy and after childbirth, hormones like prolactin stimulate milk production in the mammary glands. Oxytocin then triggers the release of milk through the nipples during breastfeeding.

Sensory Function and Sexual Pleasure

Nipples contain numerous nerve endings, making them highly sensitive to touch. This sensory function plays a role in sexual arousal and pleasure for both males and females. Stimulation of the nipples can enhance sexual experiences and contribute to overall sexual satisfaction.

Temperature Regulation

Nipples can respond to temperature changes, contracting or expanding to help regulate body temperature. This function is more pronounced in males, as female breasts have additional layers of fatty tissue that provide insulation.

Male vs. Female Breasts: Key Differences and Similarities

While male and female breasts share many structural similarities, there are significant differences in their development and function. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for comprehending breast health across genders.

Developmental Differences

Female breasts undergo significant changes during puberty due to hormonal influences, particularly estrogen. This leads to the development of more extensive glandular tissue, a complex duct system, and increased fatty tissue, giving female breasts their characteristic shape and size.

Male breasts, on the other hand, typically remain underdeveloped after puberty. They lack the specialized structures for milk production and have minimal glandular tissue.

Functional Disparities

The primary functional difference lies in the ability of female breasts to produce and secrete milk. Male breasts lack this capability under normal circumstances. However, in rare cases, some men may develop a condition called gynecomastia, where breast tissue enlarges, resembling female breasts.

Similarities in Structure

Despite these differences, male and female breasts share many structural components, including:

• Chest wall and pectoral muscles
• Nipples and areolas
• A network of blood vessels and nerves
• Lymphatic vessels and nodes

These shared structures underscore the importance of breast health awareness for both genders, particularly in the context of breast cancer detection.

Breast Cancer Awareness: Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Breast cancer is a significant health concern, particularly for women, though it can affect men as well. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, making awareness of potential signs and symptoms essential.

Common Signs of Breast Cancer

While not all breast changes indicate cancer, being aware of the following signs can help prompt timely medical attention:

• A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area
• Changes in breast size, shape, or appearance
• Dimpling, puckering, or redness of the breast skin
• Nipple changes, including inversion, discharge, or scaling
• Persistent breast pain or tenderness

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

Understanding risk factors can help individuals assess their likelihood of developing breast cancer. Some key risk factors include:

1. Age (risk increases with age)
2. Family history of breast cancer
3. Personal history of breast conditions
4. Genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1 and BRCA2)
5. Early menstruation or late menopause
6. Hormone replacement therapy
7. Obesity and lack of physical activity

It’s important to note that having one or more risk factors doesn’t necessarily mean a person will develop breast cancer, and many individuals with no known risk factors may still be diagnosed with the disease.

Performing a Breast Self-Exam: A Step-by-Step Guide

Regular breast self-exams are an important tool for early detection of breast abnormalities. While they don’t replace professional screenings, they can help individuals become familiar with their breast tissue and notice changes promptly.

When to Perform a Self-Exam

For menstruating women, the best time to perform a breast self-exam is a few days after their period ends when breast tissue is least likely to be swollen or tender. Post-menopausal women and men can choose any consistent day of the month.

Steps for a Thorough Self-Exam

1. Visual Inspection:
   • Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides
   • Look for any changes in breast size, shape, or skin texture
   • Raise your arms above your head and look for the same changes
   • Place your hands on your hips and flex your chest muscles, again observing for changes
2. Manual Examination:
   • Lie down with a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head
   • Use the pads of your left fingers to examine your right breast in a circular motion, covering the entire breast and armpit area
   • Apply different levels of pressure to feel all breast tissue
   • Repeat the process for the left breast using your right hand
3. Nipple Check:
   • Gently squeeze each nipple to check for discharge
   • Note any changes in nipple appearance or sensation

If you notice any unusual changes or have concerns, consult a healthcare professional promptly.

The Role of Professional Breast Cancer Screening

While breast self-exams are valuable, professional screening methods are essential for comprehensive breast cancer detection. These screenings can detect abnormalities before they become noticeable through self-examination.

Mammography: The Gold Standard

Mammograms are X-ray images of the breast that can detect tumors and other abnormalities. They are the most common and effective screening tool for breast cancer. The frequency of mammograms depends on age and individual risk factors:

• Women aged 40-44: Optional annual mammograms
• Women aged 45-54: Annual mammograms recommended
• Women 55 and older: Biennial mammograms or continue annual screening

Other Screening Methods

In addition to mammograms, other screening methods may be recommended based on individual risk factors and breast density:

• Breast Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of breast tissue
• Breast MRI: Provides detailed images using magnetic fields and radio waves
• Clinical Breast Exams: Physical examinations performed by healthcare professionals

Discussing your personal risk factors and family history with a healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate screening schedule and methods for you.

Promoting Breast Health: Lifestyle Factors and Prevention Strategies

While some risk factors for breast cancer are beyond our control, there are several lifestyle choices and preventive measures that can contribute to overall breast health and potentially reduce cancer risk.

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

Adopting healthy habits can have a positive impact on breast health:

• Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week
• Balanced Diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
• Limited Alcohol Consumption: If you drink, limit intake to no more than one drink per day for women or two for men
• Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Obesity, particularly after menopause, is linked to increased breast cancer risk

Breastfeeding and Breast Health

For women who have children, breastfeeding can offer protective benefits against breast cancer. The longer the duration of breastfeeding, the greater the potential protective effect.

Hormone Therapy Considerations

Women considering hormone replacement therapy or birth control should discuss the potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider, as some forms of hormone therapy may increase breast cancer risk.

Genetic Counseling and Testing

Individuals with a strong family history of breast cancer may benefit from genetic counseling and testing for mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2. This information can guide preventive strategies and screening recommendations.

By combining these lifestyle factors with regular self-exams and professional screenings, individuals can take proactive steps towards maintaining breast health and early detection of potential issues.

Functions and how to check for breast cancer

The breasts lie on top of the chest wall and over the pectoral muscles. They contain glands, lobules, fatty tissue, and other structures. Milk ducts lead to the nipples, which are surrounded by a darker area called the areola.

Both males and females have breasts, but they are more developed in females.

Each breast contains many glands and other structures that allow them to perform their functions. Namely, the primary biological function of the breast is to produce milk to feed infants. However, the breast can also be a symbol of femininity and play a role in sexual attraction and pleasure.

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the breast. Other than skin cancer, it is the most common cancer in American women, and while much rarer, can also occur in men. Awareness of the symptoms and the need for screening are important ways of reducing the risk of breast cancer.

In this article, we will explore the various components that comprise male and female breasts. It will also discuss how a person can perform a self-examination for breast cancer.

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. For the purposes of this article, we use “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth. Learn more.

Was this helpful?

The breasts are glandular organs that sit atop the chest wall and pectoral muscles. The breasts are present in both sexes. However, the female breasts are more developed. The breasts are also an important component of the female reproductive system.

When puberty occurs, the female breasts develop at an accelerated rate due to the effects of estrogen and other hormones. These result in the development of adipose (fatty) tissue that gives the female breasts their hemispherical shape, as well as the development of glandular tissue and the duct system.

The male breast structure is nearly identical to the female breast. However, they usually lack the specialized structures that allow female breasts to produce and secrete milk. In some cases, men may develop a condition known as gynecomastia. This is where the mammary glands enlarge and resemble female breasts.

The primary function of the female breasts is to produce milk for breastfeeding. During pregnancy, the hormone prolactin stimulates milk production, while the hormone oxytocin stimulates the release of milk from the glands. The female breast also has a sexual function, as stimulation of the breasts or nipples may enhance pleasure.

In males, the breasts do not have a functional role. However, they may also enhance sexual pleasure following manipulation of the breast and nipples.

Click on the BodyMap above to interact with a 3D model of the breast.

Different structures make up the breasts, including structures underneath the skin. These structures include:

Chest wall

The chest wall includes the bones, skin, fat, muscles, and various other tissues that protect the organs between the neck and the abdomen.

The bones that make up the chest wall include the ribs, the breastbone (which a person can feel in between the breasts), and the spine. It also helps to support breathing and the movement of the upper arms and shoulders.

Pectoral muscles

The pectoral muscles make up the chest muscles. They are present underneath the breasts and provide support. The pectoral muscles include:

• pectoralis major
• pectoralis minor
• serratus anterior
• subclavius

Lobules

The lobules are glands that are responsible for producing milk in the breast. The lobules are in clusters and form lobes.

There are between 15–20 lobes embedded in the breasts’ fatty tissue, and they radiate around the nipple. Some breast cancers start in the lobules and are known as lobular cancers. Male breasts typically lack lobules, as they do not produce milk.

Ducts

The ducts are the tubes that carry milk from the lobules to the nipple. A collection of lobules along with a duct form the terminal ductal lobular unit. There are many terminal ductal lobular units present in the breast. Most breast cancers start in the terminal ducts and are known as ductal cancers.

Mammary glands

The mammary glands are accessory glands present in the chest with specialized functions. It is an apocrine type of gland and its main function in females is to secrete milk.

The mammary glands are predominantly located in the pectoral region of the chest. However, a part of the mammary gland, known as the axillary tail, extends to the axilla, which is the region below the armpits.

Fatty tissue

Fatty tissue, along with fibrous tissue, makes up the connective tissue that holds all the structures within the breasts in place. The fatty tissue fills the space between glandular (lobes and ducts) and fibrous (ligaments) tissue.

The fatty tissue determines the size of the breast. During puberty, increased estrogen levels stimulate the buildup of fatty tissue and glandular tissue which increases the size of the female breast.

Lymph nodes

The lymph nodes are small organs present throughout the body. The lymph nodes produce a fluid called lymph which contains lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are immune cells that fight infections and diseases. Lymph vessels transport filtered lymph fluid from the breast to the lymph nodes.

The axillary group of lymph nodes drains 75–80% of the lymph from the breasts. These lymph nodes are present in the underarm region. The internal mammary group of lymph nodes drains the remaining 20–25% of lymph. These nodes are present in the breast region.

Areola

The areola is the darker, pigmented, round area around the nipple. The areola has small bumps on its surface. These are sebaceous glands that release oily secretions that stop the areola and nipple from cracking.

Nipple

The nipple is the raised projection in the middle of the areola. About 15–20 ducts connect to the nipple. The nipple provides an exit for milk release during breastfeeding. The nipple also contains smooth muscles that can cause the nipple to become erect.

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow at an uncontrollable and accelerated rate. This can be due to mutations or changes in the genes that control the growth of breast cells. Breast cancer can spread to other regions of the body through the blood or lymph.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer. The lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is about 1 in 833 for men.

Breast cancer treatment is more likely to be successful if a person can detect the cancer early. People can self-examine their breasts regularly to increase the likelihood of early detection.

Both men and women can do similar self-examinations to check their breast health.

A person should start by first examining their breasts in a mirror with their shoulders straight and their arms on their hips. They should check that their breasts are their usual size, shape, color and that the breasts are evenly shaped.

People should look for changes such as:

• dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin
• changes in the position of the nipple or if the nipple is inward instead of sticking out
• redness
• a rash
• swelling
• soreness

Next, the person should raise both arms and look for the same changes. They should also check to see if any fluid comes out of any or both nipples.

The person should then lie down and examine their breast with their hands. To examine the left breast, a person should use their right hand and vice versa for their right breast.

They should examine the breast using a circular motion, starting at the nipple, and then fanning out in a circular motion, ensuring they reach their collarbone, upper abdomen, and the underarm region. A person should apply firm enough pressure to feel any lumps.

Lastly, the person should repeat the previous step while standing up.

If a person notices any changes, finds a lump, or experiences discharge from the nipple, they should seek advice from their primary care physician. A doctor will be able to check and order tests to ensure a correct diagnosis.

Click here to learn more about performing a self-examination for breast cancer.

The breasts are glandular organs present in the chest area of the upper body. They consist of specialized structures, including lobules and ducts, that facilitate milk production in females and are usually non-functional in males.

Breast cancer can occur in males and females. Therefore, it is vital for people to perform regular self-examinations to check for breast cancer. This includes visually examining the breast as well as manually examining the breast in a circular motion for lumps or skin changes. Early detection may help treat possible breast cancer more successfully.

Functions and how to check for breast cancer

The breasts lie on top of the chest wall and over the pectoral muscles. They contain glands, lobules, fatty tissue, and other structures. Milk ducts lead to the nipples, which are surrounded by a darker area called the areola.

Both males and females have breasts, but they are more developed in females.

Each breast contains many glands and other structures that allow them to perform their functions. Namely, the primary biological function of the breast is to produce milk to feed infants. However, the breast can also be a symbol of femininity and play a role in sexual attraction and pleasure.

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the breast. Other than skin cancer, it is the most common cancer in American women, and while much rarer, can also occur in men. Awareness of the symptoms and the need for screening are important ways of reducing the risk of breast cancer.

In this article, we will explore the various components that comprise male and female breasts. It will also discuss how a person can perform a self-examination for breast cancer.

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. For the purposes of this article, we use “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth. Learn more.

Was this helpful?

The breasts are glandular organs that sit atop the chest wall and pectoral muscles. The breasts are present in both sexes. However, the female breasts are more developed. The breasts are also an important component of the female reproductive system.

When puberty occurs, the female breasts develop at an accelerated rate due to the effects of estrogen and other hormones. These result in the development of adipose (fatty) tissue that gives the female breasts their hemispherical shape, as well as the development of glandular tissue and the duct system.

The male breast structure is nearly identical to the female breast. However, they usually lack the specialized structures that allow female breasts to produce and secrete milk. In some cases, men may develop a condition known as gynecomastia. This is where the mammary glands enlarge and resemble female breasts.

The primary function of the female breasts is to produce milk for breastfeeding. During pregnancy, the hormone prolactin stimulates milk production, while the hormone oxytocin stimulates the release of milk from the glands. The female breast also has a sexual function, as stimulation of the breasts or nipples may enhance pleasure.

In males, the breasts do not have a functional role. However, they may also enhance sexual pleasure following manipulation of the breast and nipples.

Click on the BodyMap above to interact with a 3D model of the breast.

Different structures make up the breasts, including structures underneath the skin. These structures include:

Chest wall

The chest wall includes the bones, skin, fat, muscles, and various other tissues that protect the organs between the neck and the abdomen.

The bones that make up the chest wall include the ribs, the breastbone (which a person can feel in between the breasts), and the spine. It also helps to support breathing and the movement of the upper arms and shoulders.

Pectoral muscles

The pectoral muscles make up the chest muscles. They are present underneath the breasts and provide support. The pectoral muscles include:

• pectoralis major
• pectoralis minor
• serratus anterior
• subclavius

Lobules

The lobules are glands that are responsible for producing milk in the breast. The lobules are in clusters and form lobes.

There are between 15–20 lobes embedded in the breasts’ fatty tissue, and they radiate around the nipple. Some breast cancers start in the lobules and are known as lobular cancers. Male breasts typically lack lobules, as they do not produce milk.

Ducts

The ducts are the tubes that carry milk from the lobules to the nipple. A collection of lobules along with a duct form the terminal ductal lobular unit. There are many terminal ductal lobular units present in the breast. Most breast cancers start in the terminal ducts and are known as ductal cancers.

Mammary glands

The mammary glands are accessory glands present in the chest with specialized functions. It is an apocrine type of gland and its main function in females is to secrete milk.

The mammary glands are predominantly located in the pectoral region of the chest. However, a part of the mammary gland, known as the axillary tail, extends to the axilla, which is the region below the armpits.

Fatty tissue

Fatty tissue, along with fibrous tissue, makes up the connective tissue that holds all the structures within the breasts in place. The fatty tissue fills the space between glandular (lobes and ducts) and fibrous (ligaments) tissue.

The fatty tissue determines the size of the breast. During puberty, increased estrogen levels stimulate the buildup of fatty tissue and glandular tissue which increases the size of the female breast.

Lymph nodes

The lymph nodes are small organs present throughout the body. The lymph nodes produce a fluid called lymph which contains lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are immune cells that fight infections and diseases. Lymph vessels transport filtered lymph fluid from the breast to the lymph nodes.

The axillary group of lymph nodes drains 75–80% of the lymph from the breasts. These lymph nodes are present in the underarm region. The internal mammary group of lymph nodes drains the remaining 20–25% of lymph. These nodes are present in the breast region.

Areola

The areola is the darker, pigmented, round area around the nipple. The areola has small bumps on its surface. These are sebaceous glands that release oily secretions that stop the areola and nipple from cracking.

Nipple

The nipple is the raised projection in the middle of the areola. About 15–20 ducts connect to the nipple. The nipple provides an exit for milk release during breastfeeding. The nipple also contains smooth muscles that can cause the nipple to become erect.

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow at an uncontrollable and accelerated rate. This can be due to mutations or changes in the genes that control the growth of breast cells. Breast cancer can spread to other regions of the body through the blood or lymph.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer. The lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is about 1 in 833 for men.

Breast cancer treatment is more likely to be successful if a person can detect the cancer early. People can self-examine their breasts regularly to increase the likelihood of early detection.

Both men and women can do similar self-examinations to check their breast health.

A person should start by first examining their breasts in a mirror with their shoulders straight and their arms on their hips. They should check that their breasts are their usual size, shape, color and that the breasts are evenly shaped.

People should look for changes such as:

• dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin
• changes in the position of the nipple or if the nipple is inward instead of sticking out
• redness
• a rash
• swelling
• soreness

Next, the person should raise both arms and look for the same changes. They should also check to see if any fluid comes out of any or both nipples.

The person should then lie down and examine their breast with their hands. To examine the left breast, a person should use their right hand and vice versa for their right breast.

They should examine the breast using a circular motion, starting at the nipple, and then fanning out in a circular motion, ensuring they reach their collarbone, upper abdomen, and the underarm region. A person should apply firm enough pressure to feel any lumps.

Lastly, the person should repeat the previous step while standing up.

If a person notices any changes, finds a lump, or experiences discharge from the nipple, they should seek advice from their primary care physician. A doctor will be able to check and order tests to ensure a correct diagnosis.

Click here to learn more about performing a self-examination for breast cancer.

The breasts are glandular organs present in the chest area of the upper body. They consist of specialized structures, including lobules and ducts, that facilitate milk production in females and are usually non-functional in males.

Breast cancer can occur in males and females. Therefore, it is vital for people to perform regular self-examinations to check for breast cancer. This includes visually examining the breast as well as manually examining the breast in a circular motion for lumps or skin changes. Early detection may help treat possible breast cancer more successfully.

Why do men need nipples? In women, they perform a very specific role – they facilitate the process of feeding newborns. Men, due to the lack of such a function, do not seem to need this rudimentary organ. Then, quite legitimately, the question arises why nature supplies males with nipples.

© Smart

Erogenous zone

Video of the day

For some men, the nipples are one of the erogenous zones, irritation of which enhances sexual arousal. But this does not apply to everyone. About 42% of gentlemen regard nipple touching as unpleasant and even annoying. There are those for whom this zone does not play any role in sexual terms. So it is impossible to call the sensitivity of the nipples and their role in sexual relations a sufficient reason for the mandatory presence of this organ in men.

Intrauterine development

In fact, the nipples are a common and obligatory organ for both male and female individuals due to the peculiarities of intrauterine development. They begin to form in the embryo before the seventh week. The first 6-7 weeks, all human embryos develop according to a common model – the female one. At this time, the main organs and parts of the body are laid: the rudiments of arms, legs, eyes, ears, nipples and everything else, except for the genitals.

Only after the seventh week, serious changes occur in the body of the unborn child, provoking the formation of genital organs. If the embryo is male, a hormone called androsterone begins to be produced in the blood. Under its influence, the genital tubercle gradually turns into a penis, and the folds in the inguinal region into the scrotum.

The nipples do not go anywhere, but simply remain with the fetus as an obligatory attribute of the genus of mammals. In addition to the actual nipples, all boys from the first seven weeks of “female” development also have a little tissue of the mammary glands. It is for this reason that at puberty, due to hormonal changes in young men, the chest swells slightly in the nipple area.

Evolutionary process

There is an opinion that over time the nipples in men can completely disappear, just as the tail disappeared in humans, leaving only the coccygeal bone as a “memory”. But the fact is that the tail disappeared due to the complete uselessness of either male or female individuals. In the intrauterine development of the fetus, one can notice how a kind of tail gradually disappears with the growth of the embryo and is transformed into a coccyx.

But this story does not apply to the nipples, which, after the completion of the full formation and maturation of the organism, play a very specific role, albeit exclusively in females. Unless, after millions of years, a person transforms into some other organism and begins, for example, to lay eggs or reproduce by budding (which is unlikely), male nipples will never disappear.

Message Why did men first have nipples on Umnaya.

“Why do men need nipples” and 19 morestupid questions about your body

• Lifestyle

Every stupid question has a smart answer. And vice versa. Bill Goldberg, the author of Why Men Need Nipples, has long been engaged in such searches.

8

Do carrots really improve eyesight?

The Roman emperor Caligula believed that carrots excite men and make women more supple. One day, he fed the entire Roman Senate a large amount of carrots to watch how the senators will begin to copulate with each other, unable to endure love languor. This story has nothing to do with vision – but what if you are interested in learning about it? In general, no matter how much you consume carrots, you won’t get rid of glasses. There is an inverse relationship: if you do not eat any carrots or any other food containing at least a drop of vitamin A, then it is quite possible to go blind.

Is it true that accidentally swallowed chewing gum is not digested, but remains in the stomach for seven years?

Chewing gum can last even longer if swallowed, of course, if they manage to improve their life, start a family and organize a parliamentary republic. Alas, in the harsh reality, chewing gum does not have the slightest chance of a long and happy life inside you: your vile organism is arranged in such a way that everything that cannot be digested is immediately deported outside in the most humiliating way. Moreover, chewing gum even speeds up this process: sorbitol, used in it as a sweetener, works at the same time as a laxative.

Is it bad to crack your knuckles?

Helpful! Experienced people will confirm: this occupation can give you a rare satisfaction. It is especially pleasant to see martyr grimaces on the faces of those present. True, cracking your fingers too often can backfire. Such, for example, as a sprain and a decrease in the grip strength of the fingers. And this nasty sound, by the way, arises from the fact that air bubbles burst in the synovial fluid around the joints.

Why does my nose run from spicy food?

Because nasal mucus also has a limit of patience, it is not ready to forgive you for any cruel trick and at one fine moment it just runs away from you, ungrateful… And all because spicy food contains capsaicin, a substance that causes severe irritation of the mucous membrane nose. It is full of it in almost any kind of pepper, and it doesn’t matter if you ordered pizza with chili or jalapeno, your nose will flow equally intensively. But wasabi is also a spicy thing, but there is no capsaicin in it, so the nose remains dry.

Why do some people have a bulging navel, while others have it the other way around?

Because some of us are descended from monkeys, while others are really just androids, clumsily crafted by aliens. True, it remains to be seen which of us, convex and convex, is more real. Until then, one has to assume that the shape of the navel depends solely on how it healed. If it’s fast, then he doesn’t have time to get inside, so this funny clumsy button remains sticking out.

Why does fatigue cause bags under the eyes?

We personally like this version: unshed tears of self-pity accumulate there. Doctors, however, boringly assert that dark circles and bags under the eyes appear as a result of the fact that the skin there is thinner than anywhere else on the body, so the venous blood of swollen vessels, completely darkened from extreme fatigue, becomes easily noticeable. The thickness of the skin under the eyes is not only inherited, but also regulated by age. Therefore, in children, blue under the eyes appears less frequently than in adults.

Is it possible to break a penis?

Of course it’s a bone! That is, we would like to answer this way, backing up our words with statistics and reports from Stanford University. But alas. Idealistic doctors firmly believe that there are no bones in the penis. However, they also admit that it is easy to break this important organ. A sharp bend of the penis in an erect state can damage the cavernous bodies responsible for erection. Most often this happens, you will not believe, during sex. Such an injury is an emergency and requires an immediate trip to the hospital. The operation to restore the penis is a simple thing, the surgeons assured us.

And yet: why do men need nipples?

To get pierced, of course. In addition, at the very beginning of development, still in the embryo, men and women develop in the same way at first. For about six weeks, development follows the female path, then the androsterone hormones begin to act in the male embryo. And only then the embryo begins to acquire all the male characteristics. As a result of these perturbations in men, nipples remain, as well as a little breast tissue. Men can even develop breast cancer, but this is a rare disease and is usually treated very easily.

A few more “hows” and “whys”

Can you oil a burn?

He won’t give you change, so why not give it a try? However, if you suddenly want it to be less painful and heal faster, then the oil will not help here – on the contrary, it will retain heat in the skin and prolong the pain. It is better to first place the burned area in cold water, and then lubricate it with an antiseptic ointment for burns. In the absence of an ointment, you can make a compress of honey and peel of boiled potatoes – you should have left a little after cooking potato casserole with honey.

Why do teeth chatter from the cold?

To scare the wolves who have gathered around you with obvious gastronomic intentions. True, there is another version. The average body temperature, optimal for cell function, is 36.6 °C. If there is even a minimal shift in temperature, a part of the brain called the hypothalamus reacts to it. When the body becomes too cold, the hypothalamus sends an order to the entire body to warm up. It is then that the frequent movement of the muscles begins in order to warm them up, that is, trembling. Chattering teeth are the result of trembling jaw muscles.

If you sit on the toilet in a public restroom, can you pick up something there?

You might as well be afraid that the toilet will bite you. Compared to this scourge, gonorrhea, eczema and intestinal acne are sheer nonsense. It’s not easy to get infected with all this in a public restroom: it’s more realistic to catch a 20 kilo salmon with a fishing rod than a viable gonococcus with a buttock. By the way, you might find it interesting that bathroom doorknobs have three times more germs than toilet seats.

Since we are talking about toilets… why do you want to sit on them after smoking a cigarette?

Could it be the gut bacteria trying to escape the harmful effects of nicotine? Well, if you need the right answer, then know that alkaloids, including nicotine, have a laxative effect, because they also stimulate nerves that increase intestinal contractions.

Why do stars dance in front of my eyes after a blow to the head?

With a strong blow, the brain moves inside the skull. And when its part responsible for vision (located, by the way, on the back of the head) hits the skull, there is a short-term collapse in the visual perception transmission system. Instead of a clear picture of what is happening, we see flashes, stripes and star-like flashes.

Why do men feel sleepy after sex?

Perhaps this is an instinct inherited from male rotifers, who immediately after fertilization of females throw back their skates, because they are no longer suitable for anything. Or maybe it’s worth taking into account the fact that as a result of orgasm, both men and women release approximately the same substances into the blood: oxytocin, prolactin, gamma-aminobutyric acid and endorphins. All of them have a relaxing and hypnotic effect. But in women (even if they experienced an orgasm for real, and did not simulate it), the action of hormones is opposed by their system of sexual arousal, which completely stops functioning only half an hour after the completion of sexual intercourse.

Is it true that most conceptions occur on the full moon?

This is one of the deeply scientific ideas, such as that a pregnant woman should not look at the fire to avoid birthmarks on the baby’s face, and standing sex is a reliable contraceptive. However, scientists, tired of refuting this postulate, conducted another experiment in 2005, published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, – “The influence of the phases of the moon and atmospheric phenomena on the number of births”, where once again purely statistically established the absence of any correlation between the indicated phenomena.

Can a contact lens get lost in the bowels of the head?

You’d be surprised how many panicked people call 911 when they can’t find a lens in their eye. It usually ends up on the edge of the shell or between the fingers. Because she has nowhere to go in her head. At all. The most she can do is fold in half and slip into the corner of her eye. But in this case, the tip will always stick out.

Why do women pee more than men?

To make you seem even more mysterious and unearthly creatures, of course. If we turn to the venerable American “Urological Journal” (February, 2005), then there is another answer. Meticulous urologists assigned a group of men and women to keep “urinary diaries”. It turned out that women do pee more often, but not at all because they drink more fluids. Just the volume of the bladder in men is usually larger. And women are more likely to suffer from irritable bladder syndrome, which makes them run small every now and then. No wonder the queues for the ladies’ room are always so long.

Can a cockroach get into the ear?

How will he get there if he has no documents? On the other hand, it is not uncommon for mortally frightened people with cockroaches in their heads to go to emergency rooms. No joke: the cockroach easily penetrates the ear hole, but for some reason with great difficulty finds a way back. To extract it, the creature is drowned in oil or lidocaine, after which it is removed with long crocodile tweezers.

Is it true that TV makes children dumb?

If only children… At least they don’t go to the polls. Meanwhile, scientists from the University of Chicago recently found that in families where the IQ of uneducated parents barely reaches a hundred, children who regularly watch TV become much smarter than their peers who are excluded from TV shows. In families where parents have a higher education and a high IQ, children who spend time in front of a box lag behind in development from other intelligent children who are driven away from the TV and who are forced to read books in return, wander from corner to corner with a smart look and lead conversations with their parents.

Why do some people sneeze when looking at the sun?

The phenomenon is poorly understood and seems to be associated with random overlapping of nerve signals from the eyes and nasopharynx.