== Mammary Gland ==

The human mammary gland consists of 15-25 separate compound alveolar glands, each with its own branching duct system. Each of the intralobular ducts of one lobule drains into interlobular ducts, which in turn drain into one of the 15-25 lobar ducts (or lactiferous ducts) that empty separately on the surface of the nipple. The 15 to 25 individual glands or lobes are separated from each other by dense collagenous tissue and abundant adipose tissue, which is primarily responsible for the mass and shape of the breast.