Anatomy of the Breast

Question 1

Where does the breast lie?

Answer 1

in the superficial fascia of pectoral region

Question 2

does the breast have a distinct fibrous capsule? and does the shape vary?

Answer 2

no, yes

Question 3

horizontally, where does the breast extend from?

Answer 3

lateral border of sternum to mid-axillary line at level of 4th rib

Question 4

vertically, where does the breast extend from?

Answer 4

2nd - 6th rib in mid-clavicular line

Question 5

what 3 structures are related to the base of breast?

Answer 5

1. pectoralis major
2. external oblique
3. serratus anterior

Question 6

what is “Retromammary space”? and what does it do?

Answer 6

it is a loose connective tissue that intervenes between the base of the breast and pectoralis major. It allows the breast to move freely.

Question 7

what is a nipple? and are they rich is nerve supply?

Answer 7

conical projection below the center of breast. Yes.

Question 8

what are the nipples pierced with?

Answer 8

15-20 lactiferous ducts

Question 9

what kind of muscles does the nipple contain?

Answer 9

circular and longitudinal muscles

Question 10

what is the surface landmark of the nipple?

Answer 10

level of 4th intercostal space

Question 11

what is the dilated part of the lactiferous ducts called?

Answer 11

lactiferous sinus

Question 12

where does the lactiferous ducts come from?

Answer 12

they come form the lobes of the breast

Question 13

what is an areola?

Answer 13

pigmented circular area of skin around nipple

Question 14

what does the margin of the areola contain?

Answer 14

they contain sebaceous glands

Question 15

do the glands of the areola enlarge during pregnancy an lactation?

Answer 15

Yes and they are called TUBERCLES OF MONTGOMERY - they secrete lubricant during lactation

Question 16

through what plexus does the areola collect lymph from areola and nipple?

Answer 16

sub-areolar lymphatic plexus of sappey

Question 17

what are the 3 components of breast tissue?

Answer 17

1- glandular tissue
2- fatty tissue
3- fibrous tissue

Question 18

how are glandular tissue arranged as?

Answer 18

as lobes

Question 19

what does fatty tissue do?

Answer 19

give shape to breast. They are also the main component in non-pregnant women. There is not fat below the nipple and areola

Question 20

what does the fibrous tissue do?

Answer 20

they support the lobes.

Question 21

what are the pyramidal lobes in the glandular tissue drained by?

Answer 21

separate lactiferous ducts

Question 22

what are the lactiferous ducts drained by?

Answer 22

smaller segmental ducts that drain lobules

Question 23

what are lactiferous ducts lined by?

Answer 23

myoepithelial cells that has a contractile function

Question 24

are each lobe drained by a different lactiferous duct?

Answer 24

yes

Question 25

does each duct have a separate sinus?

Answer 25

yes

Question 26

what does the posterior intercostal vein drain into?

Answer 26

azygos vein

Question 27

what are the 4 arteries that supply the breast?

Answer 27

1- internal thoracic artery
2- lateral thoracic artery
3 - superior thoracic artery
4 - posterior thoracic artery

Question 28

what veins supply the breast?

Answer 28

axillary, internal thoracic and intercostal veins

Question 29

what is the lymphatic drainage of breast?

Answer 29

outer - axillary
upper - supraclavicular
inner - parasternal (communicate across midline)
lower - communicated with intraperitoneal lymphatics after piercing linea alba

Question 30

75% of lymphatics are drained by what? 20% by what? and 5% by what?

Answer 30

75 - axillary
20 - parasternal
5 - posterior intercostal

Question 31

what is carcinoma breast?

Answer 31

fixation (hardening) of tumor to underlying pectoral fascia and coopers ligament

Question 32

how does retraction of the nipple happen?

Answer 32

by infiltrating the lactiferous ducts

Question 33

what is peau d’orange?

Answer 33

breast looks like an orange and the cutaneous lymphatics are obstructed as well as oedema of skin around hair follicles + retraction of nipple

Question 34

what does oxytocin increase in myoepithelial cells?

Answer 34

contraction