Areola – Meaning and Usage in Medical English

👁 What Does “Areola” Mean?

The areola is the circular, pigmented area of skin that surrounds the nipple.

The term comes from the Latin word areola, meaning “small open space” or “little area.”

In medicine, it refers specifically to this distinct anatomical region, noted for its color, texture, and role in breastfeeding.

Healthcare professionals use the term in breast examinations, dermatological assessments, obstetric care, and documentation.

---

🔍 Clinical Usage

In clinical settings, areola appears frequently in breast exams, patient assessments, nursing notes, dermatology reports, and obstetric records.

Healthcare professionals may describe changes in the areola’s color, size, texture, or sensitivity, especially during pregnancy, lactation, or in cases of dermatological or infectious conditions.

Common contexts include:

• Describing pigmentation changes (e.g., during pregnancy or hormonal shifts)
• Noting skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, or inflammation
• Documenting symptoms such as itching, swelling, or pain
• Assessing for possible infection or mastitis in breastfeeding patients

Here’s a simple clinical-style example sentence:

“Mild erythema noted around the areola, likely due to irritation.”

---

🎥 Watch the Short Video

👉 Watch our 25-second clip: Areola – Learn how to pronounce it and remember how it’s used in real medical English.

---

Study with OET BANK

Stop wasting time comparing OET materials.

With OET BANK, you get:

• Premium-quality OET materials, built by professionals
• A focused, efficient study path — no unnecessary content
• A system designed to help you pass OET once — without trial and error

If you want to prepare properly and pass with confidence,
you don’t need to look anywhere else.

Pick your materials and start today — with OET BANK.