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Breast
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The term breast refers to the rostral ventral region of an animal’s torso, particularly that of mammals,[note 1] including humans. The breasts of a mammal’s body contain the mammary glands, modified immune glands which were once used to cover eggs with a protective fluid, but which now secrete milk used to feed infants. Mammary glands placed in other locations (such as nearer the caudal limbs) may be referred to as teats or udders. This article deals with the human breast.
Breasts are more visible on adult women, but male humans also have breasts which, although usually less prominent, are structurally identical (homologous) to the female, as they develop embryologically from the same tissues. This also leads to the phenomenon whereby men, given enough stimulation, can produce milk from the glands that are still present behind the nipple (the only visible indication that male and female breast tissue is related). On the other hand, humans are the only mammal where the female has engorged breasts even when not nursing or pregnant, and the only mammal where nipples are anything other than raised bumps that only appear when the breasts of the female engorge during nursing. This indicates that human breasts evolved to serve some sort of display function, possibly sexual in nature.
When male breasts become large, they are referred to as "man boobs," "manmarries," "moobs," or "moobies".[note 2] The technical term for moobies is gynecomastia.
Breasts are also, unfortunately, vulnerable to cancer, so get them screened regularly.
Breasts in public and private[edit]
Due to the above sexual display function, the display of women's breasts is considered to be a crime in most jurisdictions. This is considered to be unfair by some women, who have formed the Topfree Equal Rights Association (TERA)[1] to further their cause. Marriage is believed by proponents of this assertion to somehow neutralize this terrible moral risk. Ironically, people do not seem to have a problem looking at the mammary glands of other mammals. A natural laboratory for study, to confirm or falsify the assertion, would be any French or German beach. Observations in such places provide anecdotal evidence at best, but are nonetheless suggestive. (Pun not intended.) It is worth mentioning that the portrayal of nude women is not uncommon in paintings and sculptures.
In the privacy of the home, or, less likely, a private booth at an extortionately overpriced club, however, women are free, or paid, to expose their breasts for the enjoyment of others and/or themselves. The others most frequently are those possessing a Y chromosome and a thick, heavy, big penis wallet.
Breastfeeding[edit]
Breastfeeding is the practice of feeding a child, generally one's own, with the milk secreted by the mammary glands.
The National Conference of State Legislatures addresses the health benefits of breastfeeding in an article published June 11, 2014[2] which states in part that: "Both mothers and children benefit from breast milk. Breast milk contains antibodies that protect infants from bacteria and viruses. Breastfed children have fewer ear, respiratory and urinary tract infections and have diarrhea less often. Infants who are exclusively breastfed tend to need fewer health care visits, prescriptions and hospitalizations resulting in a lower total medical care cost compared to never-breastfed infants." It goes on to say: "Breastfeeding also provides long-term preventative effects for the mother, including an earlier return to pre-pregnancy weight and a reduced risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer and osteoporosis. "
Federal laws in the U.S. cover breastfeeding, including this one[3] which states: "Effective March 23, 2010, federal law requires employers to provide break time and a place for hourly paid workers to express breast milk at work; they must provide a "reasonable" amount of time and a private space other than a bathroom, until the employee's baby turns one year old." However, many laws governing breastfeeding are decided at the State level. Most states have laws permitting mothers to breastfeed; for example, Texas says:[4] Sec. 165.002. Right to Breastfeed. "A mother is entitled to breast-feed her baby in any location in which the mother is authorized to be." This law has been on the books for a number of years. However, women who attempt to breastfeed in public places are nonetheless often told to leave.[citation needed]