Breast

Question 1

True or false: the breast is a modified endocrine sweat gland

Answer 1

FALSE - apocrine, not endocrine gland

Question 2

At puberty, female breasts develop under the influence of what?

Answer 2

Oestrogen and progesterone

Question 3

What is a relatively common congenital condition associated with the breast?

Answer 3

Accessory breast tissue

Question 4

What happens in accessory breast tissue?

Answer 4

Abnormal accessory breast tissue is seen in addition to normal breast tissue, presenting as a mass anywhere along the course of the embryologic mammary streak

Question 5

What is Poland syndrome?

Answer 5

Rare birth defect characterised by underdevelopment or absence of the chest muscle (pectoralis) on one side of the body and also webbing of the fingers on the same side

Question 6

Which ligaments supports the breasts?

Answer 6

Cooper’s suspensory ligaments

Question 7

Which arteries supply the breast? (3)

Answer 7

External mammary artery (lateral thoracic)
Internal mammary arteries (thoracic)
Inter-costal arteries

Question 8

What are the risk factors for developing breast cancer?

Answer 8

Gender (woman increased risk)
Age
Family history 
Personal history 
Genetics
Alcohol 
Obesity
Radiation 
High socioeconomic class

Question 9

What is the surgery for removing the breast called?

Answer 9

Mastectomy