Anatomy Of The Breast Flashcards
Explain the surface anatomy of the breast/mammary gland
Vertically: extend 2nd - 6th ribs in mid clavicular line
Horizontally: parasternal border to the mid-axillary line
2/3 on pec major
1/3 on serratus anterior
Inferomedial quadrant on external oblique
The nipple is in the 4th intercostal space (varies in females)
Name the 6 structures that make up the macroscopic anatomy
- Tubuloalveolar glands within the superficial fascia
- Fascia - Forms ligament of Cooper in the superior quadrant
- Adipose tissue - contains vessels
- Areola - Contains Montogomerys tubercles
- Nipple
- Process of Spence/axillary tail
Discuss the arterial supply of the breast
Axillary artery -> Lateral thoracic artery -> Thoraco-acromial trunk
Internal thoracic artery -> Perforating branches
Intercostal arteries (2-4) -> lateral branches
Discuss the venous drainage of the breast
Corresponds to the arterial supply
Radiating vein
Lateral thoracic vein
Axillary vein
Internal thoracic vein
Intercostal vein
Explain the nerve supply of the breast
Nerves are derived from anterior and lateral branches of 2nd-6th intercostal nerves
Think of blood supply
Discuss the lymphatics of the breast
The relation of the nodes to vessels
- Pectoral/anterior nodes -> Lateral thoracic artery/vein
- Sub-scapular/posterior nodes -> Subscapular veins
- Humeral/lateral group -> Distal axillary vein
- Central -> Intercostobracial nerve
- Apical/infraclavicular -> Proximal axillary vein
- Deltopectoral -> Deltopectoral triangle and cephalic vein
- Parasternal -> Internal thoracic artery
Discuss the lymphatic drainage of different parts of the breast
Which part of the breast drain to which nodes
Subareolar plexus -> Pectoral nodes
Medial border -> Parasternal nodes
Inferomedial quadrant -> Subperitoneal and pelvis
75% via axillary tail -> Pectoral nodes
Lateral border -> Intercostal nodes
What are the common variations in the breast
Third nipple (5%)
Asymmetrical
Accessory breast tissue often in axilla
Painful before menstruation
