The pigmented circular area surrounding the nipple. The term is also used to describe an inflamed area around a pimple (see pustule).
Areola literally means a small space, and is the term applied to the red or dusky ring around the nipple, or around an in?amed part. Increase in the duskiness of the areola on the breast is an important early sign of pregnancy.
n. 1. the brownish or pink ring of tissue surrounding the nipple of the breast. 2. the part of the iris that surrounds the pupil of the eye. 3. a small space in a tissue. —areolar adj.
loose *connective tissue consisting of a meshwork of collagen, elastic tissue, and reticular fibres interspersed with numerous connective tissue cells. It binds the skin to underlying muscles and forms a link between organs while allowing a high degree of relative movement.... areolar tissue
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