Anatomy of the mammary gland Flashcards
What is the anatomical location of the mammary gland?
The mammary gland is located in the anterior thoracic wall, overlying the pectoralis major muscle.
Which ribs do the mammary glands typically extend between?
The mammary glands typically extend from the 2nd to the 6th ribs.
What are the major structural components of the mammary gland?
The major structural components are glandular tissue, ducts, connective tissue, fat, and skin.
What type of gland is the mammary gland classified as?
The mammary gland is a modified apocrine sweat gland.
What is the primary function of the mammary gland?
The primary function of the mammary gland is milk production and secretion for infant nourishment.
What are the main anatomical divisions of the breast?
The breast is divided into the nipple, areola, glandular tissue, fibrous tissue, and fat.
What structures make up the parenchyma of the mammary gland?
The parenchyma consists of lobes, lobules, and lactiferous ducts.
What are the functional units of the mammary gland responsible for milk secretion?
The alveoli (acini) within the lobules are responsible for milk secretion.
What are the components of the stroma of the mammary gland?
The stroma consists of connective tissue, adipose tissue, and Cooper’s ligaments.
What is the name of the ducts that transport milk from lobules to the nipple?
The lactiferous ducts transport milk from lobules to the nipple.
What is the significance of the lactiferous sinus?
The lactiferous sinus acts as a milk reservoir during lactation.
What is the arterial supply of the mammary gland?
The arterial supply comes from the internal thoracic, lateral thoracic, thoracoacromial, and posterior intercostal arteries.
What are the main veins that drain the mammary gland?
The veins draining the breast include the internal thoracic, lateral thoracic, and axillary veins.
What are the lymphatic drainage pathways of the breast?
The lymphatic drainage is mainly to the axillary, parasternal, and subclavicular nodes.
What is the clinical significance of the axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer?
The axillary lymph nodes are the primary site for metastasis in breast cancer.
Which lymph nodes first receive lymphatic drainage from the breast?
The anterior (pectoral) group of axillary lymph nodes first receive drainage.
What is the innervation of the mammary gland?
The mammary gland is innervated by the intercostal nerves (T4-T6).
Which hormones regulate the growth and function of the mammary gland?
Estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and oxytocin regulate mammary gland function.
What changes occur in the mammary gland during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, glandular tissue proliferates, ducts expand, and fat decreases.
How does estrogen affect mammary gland development?
Estrogen stimulates ductal growth and branching.
What is the role of progesterone in the mammary gland?
Progesterone promotes alveolar development and gland maturation.
What is the function of prolactin in lactation?
Prolactin stimulates milk production in the mammary alveoli.
What is the role of oxytocin in milk ejection?
Oxytocin triggers the contraction of myoepithelial cells for milk ejection.
What is the anatomical position of the nipple?
The nipple is located at the 4th intercostal space in nulliparous women.
What is the significance of Montgomery glands in the areola?
Montgomery glands secrete an oily substance that lubricates and protects the areola.
What type of epithelium lines the lactiferous ducts?
The lactiferous ducts are lined by stratified cuboidal epithelium.
What structural support is provided by Cooper’s ligaments?
Cooper’s ligaments provide structural support to the breast and prevent sagging.
What are the boundaries of the retromammary space?
The retromammary space is located between the breast and the pectoral fascia.
Why is the retromammary space clinically significant?
The retromammary space allows movement of the breast over the chest wall and is important in mastectomy.
What is polymastia?
Polymastia is the presence of additional breasts along the embryonic milk line.
What is polythelia?
Polythelia is the presence of extra nipples along the embryonic milk line.
What is the embryological origin of the mammary glands?
The mammary glands originate from ectodermal mammary ridges (milk lines).
What are the common congenital anomalies of the mammary gland?
Common anomalies include amastia (absence), athelia (absent nipple), and accessory breast tissue.
What are the common sites for accessory breast tissue?
Accessory breast tissue commonly appears in the axilla.
How does the mammary gland change with aging?
With aging, glandular tissue atrophies and is replaced by fat.
What are the key differences between lactating and non-lactating breasts?
Lactating breasts have enlarged alveoli and increased vascularization.
What is the most common quadrant for breast cancer occurrence?
The upper outer quadrant is the most common site for breast cancer.
Why does peau d’orange occur in breast cancer?
Peau d’orange occurs due to lymphatic obstruction causing skin edema.
What are the common benign breast conditions?
Common benign conditions include fibroadenoma, fibrocystic changes, and mastitis.
What are the risk factors for breast cancer?
Risk factors for breast cancer include age, family history, hormone exposure, and genetic mutations (BRCA1/BRCA2).
What imaging modalities are used for evaluating breast pathology?
Mammography, ultrasound, and MRI are key imaging modalities.
What is the anatomical significance of the inframammary fold?
The inframammary fold marks the lower boundary of the breast.
How does the mammary gland change during menopause?
During menopause, glandular tissue decreases, and fat deposition increases.
What is the role of the subcutaneous fat in the breast?
Subcutaneous fat contributes to breast size and shape.
What are the histological features of the mammary gland during lactation?
Lactating mammary glands show hypertrophy of alveoli and abundant secretory vesicles.
What is the blood supply to the nipple?
The nipple receives blood from the internal thoracic, lateral thoracic, and thoracoacromial arteries.
How do the mammary glands develop during puberty?
During puberty, estrogen stimulates ductal proliferation and adipose deposition.
What is the role of the thoracoacromial artery in breast vascularization?
The thoracoacromial artery supplies blood to the superior portion of the breast.
What muscles underlie the mammary gland?
The pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, serratus anterior, and intercostal muscles underlie the breast.
What is the role of myoepithelial cells in lactation?
Myoepithelial cells contract in response to oxytocin, aiding milk ejection.
