Why do men have nipples?

introduction

As with almost all questions of human anatomy after the "Why“Is the answer to the question" Why do men have nipples? " in embryology, i.e. biology, which deals with the development of the - translated - unborn womb. So with life that has not yet been born.

Explanation

The reason for the presence of the nipples in women is relatively simple: The nipple, as it is also called, is the name for the mouth of the mammary glands, at least in higher mammals. In addition, it corresponds to the so-called teats in all other mammals.

Men also have nipples, although strictly speaking they have no function because men cannot breastfeed children. The answer to the question why they are still there is to a large extent in our chromosome set. This is the name for the totality of all chromosomes in a cell. Chromosomes consist of DNA, the basic genetic blueprint that contains all genetic information about our later development and our lives.

These chromosomes are passed on to the next generation in the form of maternal egg cells and paternal sperm. However, this amalgamation does not happen from one day to the other, but nature in this case is more complex than it appears at first glance. It takes about 10 weeks for the unborn child's new set of chromosomes to fully develop. By then, an embryo will develop that, in fact, does not yet show the physical signs of gender. So at the very beginning of development there is no visible difference between male and female embryos.

The information of the sex is anchored in the so-called gonosomes, the sex chromosomes. Male chromosomes look like Y and are therefore called Y chromosomes, whereas female chromosomes look like X and are therefore called X chromosomes. Due to the presence of a Y chromosome, the body of the embryo becomes a male body, which among other things produces testosterone, which among other things leads to the fact that the voice becomes deep, the testicles and other sexual characteristics are developed. In addition, this hormone later prevents the formation of a milk-producing (lactating) Mammary gland.

A breast primordium is still present embryologically, even if it is not functional in terms of milk production.
The reasons for the presence of a breast anlage in a man have not yet been conclusively clarified, but it is reasonable to assume that it is probably more sensible for the human body to first apply all characteristics of both sexes to the embryo before hormonal differentiation with the sex hormones begins. In addition, the man does not suffer any restrictions from the presence of nipples; neither from a health point of view nor from another point of view. It can therefore be assumed that the male nipples will continue to be created in the embryo.

Nipples in men and women

The fact that the predispositions for nipples in men and women are basically the same does not mean that there cannot be differences between men and women. It is only through the hormonal changes during puberty in an adolescent woman that the development of the mammary gland begins and, associated with it, the development of the system for later breastfeeding of a child. Several hormones are responsible for this change, among others Oxytocin and prolactin. In women, prolactin is primarily for the Milk penetration and the Mammary gland growth responsible and is increasingly formed from the 8th week of pregnancy. Oxytocin is involved, among other things, in the contraction of muscle cells in the mammary gland and also stimulates milk production.

By hormonal disorders in men or Abuse of doping substances how anabolic steroidsAfter weaning, especially in weight training, it can happen that the body's own masculinity hormones no longer sufficiently produced and the man's chest also begins to grow, one then speaks of one Gynecomastia. This can often only be removed again through complex and costly operations and cause psychological problems due to the external appearance.

In older medical literature it is also reported that there were also men who had a milk leak (Reports by Alexander von Humboldt), however, none of these cases are known to the public in modern medicine.

Function of the nipple

They are in the woman's nipple Exhaust ducts of the mammary glandsthat are surrounded by smooth muscles and sensitive nerve endings and it is used in women Supplying the infant with breast milk.

In both men and women, the nipple also has the function of a so-called erogenous zone. The strong irritability and reaction to pressure and temperature helps the baby to find and orientate himself better. Furthermore, stimulation of the nipples leads to the release of certain hormones. The reason for the sensitivity of the nipples to cold lies in the contraction of the smooth muscles. In men and women, there is no noticeable difference in sexual function and irritability, and hormonally, irritability is also mediated in both sexes by the hormone oxytocin, among other things.

In addition, the nipple is increasingly gaining in erotic importance, which has manifested itself in the establishment of nipple piercings in recent years.

Pain in the nipples in men

Pain in the nipples can occur in both men and women. Common causes are abrasive textiles, allergic reactions to textiles or other fabrics, general over-excitability or hormonal disorders that affect the entire breast.

In the case of men, the one mentioned above plays here Gynecomastia a major role. This enlargement of the mammary gland can occur naturally as well as pathologically. Basically the hormone estrogen, which can influence breast growth, is also present in the male body and fulfills important tasks, such as strengthening bone tissue. On the other hand, the disadvantage of this is a mammary gland growth caused by estrogens, which can also cause chest pain in men. These pains can be of a psychological nature and should not be underestimated in this context, since a male individual can suffer greatly from the development of a female breast, as well as of a physical nature. In the case of physical problems, those affected often describe a "nodule formation", ie a palpable thickening of the tissuewhich is very painful to the touch. This change often occurs in men during puberty and is due to an enzyme that is working too hard: the so-called Aromatase. This enzyme takes care of the conversion of Androgens, i.e. male sex hormones, in estradiol, i.e. female sex hormones. After careful examination, a doctor can do what is called Aromatase inhibitors prescribe that prevent this conversion. Bumps that have already formed can disappear after a while, but surgery is also often required to restore the original, pain-free male breast.

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In men of advanced age, a similar phenomenon can be due to Hormone deficiency take place, which is also associated with pain.However, this type of hormonal problem rarely affects the breast alone, as those affected complain of listlessness, muscle weakness, poor concentration and pain in the entire musculoskeletal system. Any pain in the chest area should be consulted by a doctor who can help you with this problem before it slowly worsens. With so-called pseudo-gynecomastia, it can also appear as if men have grown breasts, but this is very often due to obesity. Successful diet and exercise should reduce this problem.

Breast cancer can also be a very rare cause of nipple pain in men. If there is any suspicion, it is advisable to go to the doctor, who can then carry out further necessary examinations.

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