Which part of the breast collects and transports milk to the nipple?

The lactiferous duct is responsible for collecting and transporting milk from the lobules of the breast to the nipple. The lobules are the glandular structures in the breast where milk is produced; they connect to the lactiferous ducts. These ducts converge and form larger channels that lead directly to the nipple, allowing for the ejection of milk during breastfeeding.

The nipple itself is primarily the outlet for milk, not a structure that actively collects or transports it. The areola is the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple and also does not play a direct role in the collection or transport of milk, rather it serves to facilitate breastfeeding by providing a target for the infant.

Understanding the anatomy and function of these structures is crucial for comprehending how breastfeeding works and the path that milk takes during lactation. This highlights the importance of the lactiferous duct in the milk delivery process, which is essential for successful breastfeeding.