Anatomy and physiology of the breast Flashcards
Breast development starts at the ——– and continues through ………. development
embryonic stage / fetal
Growth of the breast occurs during ………..
puberty
Estrogen is secreted by the ………….
ovaries
After puberty the structure of the breast is influenced by cyclic changes in hormone levels during the ……..
menstrual cycle
Growth of the breast is regulated by several hormones including ………… and ……………
estrogen and progesterone
………… stimulates breast epithelial proliferation
estrogen
……….. induces changes in mammary alveoli and ducts
progesterone
After ……… hormone levels decrease and breast tissue changes reverse
menstruation
During pregnancy estrogen and progesterone stimulate breast tissue to support ………….
lactation
Near ………… atrophy of the breasts occurs due to a decrease in ovarian function and estrogen/progesterone
menopause
Estrogens stimulate breast cell growth by binding to ….
ER estrogen receptors
Estrogens promote the production of ……… as well
PR progesterone receptors
Breasts lie over the ……….. muscle
pectoralis major
Breasts are attached to the muscle by a layer of ….. which is composed of dense irregular tissue
fascia
Strands of connective tissue called …………. run between skin and deep fascia to support the breasts
coopers ligaments
Each breast contains a …………..
mammary gland
Each mammary gland consists of ……….. compartments called …………that are separated by fat tissue
15-20 / lobes
Smaller compartments in the lobes are called…..
lobules
Lobules contain ……………. glands called …………
milk secreting / alveoli
Milk produced in the alveoli passes in a series of ……….. then into …………….
secondary tubules / mammary ducts
Mammary ducts expand to form ………… where milk is stored
lactiferous sinuses
Milk drains into …………. before leaving via the nipple
lactiferous ducts
The function of the breast is ………………..
lactation
Production of milk is stimulated by the hormone …….. but progesterone and estrogen play a part
prolactin