How many lobes may a normal breast have?

A normal breast typically contains 15 to 20 lobes, which are the functional units responsible for milk production during lactation. Each lobe consists of smaller lobules where milk is produced, and these lobes are arranged around the nipple, leading to the milk ducts that transport milk to the nipple during breastfeeding.

Understanding the structure of the breast is critical for radiologists and technologists in mammography, as it helps in identifying normal anatomical variations and distinguishing them from potential pathologies. The number of lobes can vary slightly among individuals, but the range of 15 to 20 lobes is generally accepted as the standard. This knowledge serves as a foundation for interpreting mammographic images, as recognizing the normal anatomical architecture assists in identifying abnormal findings such as tumors or cysts.