From a LLL conference presentation I gave a few years ago on;

"Nipple Variations: Non-Protractile, Flat/Inverted/Dimpled/Retracting"

A tad from the part on the normal nipple/areolar anatomy:

<<Schwager’s [1974]  findings suggest that protrusion of the normal nipple is 
supported by sufficient bulk of dense connective tissue directly beneath the 
nipple.  This thickness of dense connective tissue beneath the normal nipple 
keeps the nipple everted.The mammary papilla is a small cylindrical body that 
projects from the breast, slightly below center at approximately the fourth 
intercocstal space[Riordan 1993].“The nipple is composed of fibromuscular 
tissue and becomes erect with stimulation” [Neifert1986]. The smooth 
musculature of the areola and nipple contract to decrease the surface area of 
the areola and cause the nipple to become smaller, firm and 
erect[Lawrence1989].This firmer consistency of tissue eases the baby’s 
grasp[Lauwers 1989]. . The “nipple consist of collagen fibers containing the 
terminals of 15-20 main lactiferous ducts opening out through the circular 
surface of the tip of the nipple”.[Crestinu 1989]. The milk ducts in the 
nipple are embedded in stretchable and mobile connective tissue[Lawrence 
1989] Highly elastic, elongating to approx. twice its resting length during 
active feeding. Compressible, nipple height is reduced by half between the 
tongue and palate during breastfeeding[Smith 1988]. Schwager’s [1974]  
findings suggest that protrusion of the normal nipple is supported by 
sufficient bulk of dense connective tissue directly beneath the nipple.  This 
thickness of dense connective tissue beneath the normal nipple keeps the 
nipple everted. The average diameter of the areola is approx. 6.4cm, with a 
range of 4-12cm. size of the areola has little if any impact on 
breastfeeding[Stark1994]. The average diameter of the nipple is 1.6cm with a 
range of 0.8-2cm. The average length of the nipple is 0.7cm, with a range of 
0.4-1.3cm. The erectile nipple has a dense, papillar appearance with crevices 
uniquely different for each nipple[Ziemer 1993].>>

From "Maternal-Newborn Nursing Theory and Practice" 1997 By Nichols and 
Zwelling, chap 9 by Mary Bruckner, CNM DNSc, pg192 "the nipple is composed of 
erectile tissue".

So the controversy, or terminology variation, continues.

Guess we'll need to take a vote, or flip a coin.

Debbie Tobin 
RN BSN IBCLC LCCE
ILCA Region 3 rep
LCAGW Secretary
Springfield, Virginia USA 
In the Fairfax County suburbs outside the Washington DC beltway
[log in to unmask]

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