Supernumerary nipple
From Biocrawler, the free encyclopedia.
A supernumerary nipple (also known as a third nipple, accessory nipple, polythelia or polymastia) is an additional nipple occurring in mammals including humans. Often mistaken for moles, supernumerary nipples are diagnosed at a rate of 2% in females, less in males. The nipples appear along the two vertical "milk lines" which start in the armpit on each side, run down through the typical nipples and end at the groin. They are classified into eight levels of completeness from a simple patch of hair to a milk-bearing breast in miniature. Polythelia refers to the nipple alone while polymastia denotes the presence of glandular tissue.
In popular culture
Actor and singer Mark Wahlberg is seen to have such a nipple below his left breast in his modelling photographs (http://markwahlberg.com/view.shtml?/mark/images/general/markchestshot.jpg).
Fictional characters said to have 'a third nipple' include:
- The assassin Francisco Scaramanga from the book and movie The Man with the Golden Gun
- Krusty the Clown from The Simpsons television show
- Chandler Bing from the Friends television show
- Miss Ivannah from the movie Mallrats*
- A prostitute in the film Total Recall
- Dr. Noah Faulkner in the film Biodome
(*)Miss Ivannah in Mallrats does not actually have a third nipple. After the protagonists leave her shop, she is seen removing the fake third nipple and making some kind of comment about it before popping it into her mouth. It was probably made of gelatin.
References
- eMedicine "Supernumerary nipples" visted 26 Dec 2004 (http://www.emedicine.com/derm/byname/supernumerary-nipple.htm)
- Healthwise "Accessory nipples (polythelia) and breast tissue (polymastia)" visted 26 Dec 2004 (http://www.uhseast.com/134138.cfm)
- MedlinePlus "Supernumerary nipples" visted 26 Dec 2004 (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003110.htm)
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