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*The article was translated into English using automatic translation. The editors are working on its improvement.

Areola (lat. areola - platform; area - open place) is the pigmented area around the nipple.

The areola roughly outlines the area of the nipple of the mammary gland. The color of the pigment varies among individuals, ranging from light pink to dark brown, depending on the amount of two melanin compounds: eumelanin (brown pigment) and pheomelanin (red pigment).

The size of the areola can change due to hormonal changes caused by menstruation, certain medications, and aging. The areola is usually darker during pregnancy. After childbirth, their original size can be restored partially or completely, but this is individual for each woman.

The size and shape of the areola also varies widely. Women's areolas tend to be larger than those of men and girls before puberty. The areola in most men has a diameter of about 25 millimeters, and in women it is about 30 millimeters. In some women, the areola can reach ten centimeters. In women with relatively large breasts and in women who are breastfeeding, the size of the areola may exceed 10 cm.

Small bumps on the areola are called Montgomery glands.