The mature human female nipple has several small openings arranged radially around the tip of the lactiferous ducts, from which milk is released during lactation.

[6] The size and shape of areolae and nipples are also highly variable, with those of women usually being larger than those of men and prepubescent girls.

A function of the specialized dermis of the areola is to protect the regular breast skin from wear, cracking, and irritation.

[8] Rated according to the Tanner scale of female physical development, the areolae enlarge during stage 3, but they show no separation of contour.

Paget's disease of the breast is a malignant condition that outwardly may have the appearance of eczema, with skin changes involving the areola and nipple.