Breast Flashcards
What does the breast consist of?
Mammary glands, fat, and fibrous tissue
Where is the breast located?
Between the second and sixth ribs and between the sternum and the midaxillary line
Define midaxillary line.
A vertical line dividing the armpit into anterior and posterior halves
Where is the nipple typically located?
The level of the fourth intercostal space
Define areola.
The ring of pigmented skin which surrounds the nipple
Define axillary process (tail).
The portions of the breast which extends back into the armpit
What part of the breast is a frequent site for cancer?
Axillary process
What is the name of the strong fibrous septa that supports the breast and runs through the breast from the skin to the deep layer of superficial fascia?
Suspensory ligaments of breast
T or F. The mammary gland is a modified sweat gland.
True
Where is the mammary gland located?
The superficial fascia
How many lobes of glandular tissue does each mammary gland have?
15 to 20 lobes
Through which structure does each lobe of the glandular tissue open onto the tip of the nipple?
Lactiferous duct
Define lactiferous sinus.
An expansion of the lactiferous duct, which serves as a reservoir for milk during lactation
Name the arteries that supply blood to the breast. (4)
1) Internal thoracic artery
2) Thoracoacromial artery
3) Lateral thoracic artery
4) Intercostal arteries
Name the nodes that are responsible for lymphatic drainage of the breast. (4)
1) Axillary nodes
2) Parasternal nodes
3) Nodes of the opposite breast
4) Nodes of the anterior abdominal wall
What nodes does 75% of the lymph from the breast drain into?
Axillary nodes
What are the clinical signs of breast cancer? (3)
1) Dimpling- due to invasion of the suspensory ligament
2) Inverted nipple- due to invasion of the lactiferous ducts
3) Leathery thickening of skin
What are the clinical signs of breast cancer? (3)
1) Dimpling- due to invasion of the suspensory ligament
2) Inverted nipple- due to invasion of the lactiferous ducts
3) Leathery thickening of skin
T or F. Breast cancer usually spreads to the blood stream first.
False, it spreads to the lymphatics first before entering the blood stream
What part of the body is breast cancer first found?
Breast cancer spreads to the axilla first
Briefly explain how breast cancer migrates through the body in the blood stream. (I.e. which veins and where it goes).
The cancer travels in the posterior intercostal veins where they drain into azygos and hemiazygos systems. There are connections to the vertebral venous plexus which allows spread to the vertebral column and brain
How does chiropractic relate to breast cancer?
It is one cause of mid-thoracic back pain in females
