Breast And Axillae Flashcards
Where does breast tissue start and stop
Start: clavicle/2nd rib
Stop: 6th rib, sternum, to mid axillary line
What muscles do the breast overlay? And what type of tissues does the breast contain?
- Overlies pectoralis major and serratus anterior msucles
- Consists of
*glandular
*Fibrous
*adipose
What does the glandular tissue contain
It is hormonal sensitive with
1. Tubuloalveolar glands and ductules, arranged in 15 to 20 lobes
*has 20-40 lobules in each lobe
*acini cells are milk producing
*lactiferous ducts drain milk
Where is the greatest concentration of glandular tissue
In the upper outer quadrant
What is the purpose of the fibrous tissue
- Provides support and shape
*has suspensory ligaments (Cooper’s)
What is the purpose of the adipose tissue
Fat tissue (80-85% of the breast)
*surrounds glandular tissue
What are some factors that can affect breast tissue
- Age
*younger = more fibro-glandular
*older = atrophy of glandular tissue - Pregnancy
- Lactation
- Cyclic hormonal changes
What surrounds the nipple
The Areola
*has sebaceous, sweat, and accessory glands
*Montgomery glands which increase in pregnancy, it is an oily substance that protects tissue during lactation
What type of tissue is the nipple made of
Epithelium and smooth muscle
*has a smooth muscle reflex which will make the nipple smaller, firmer, more erect with tactile stimulation
What does the sensory innervation provide to the nipple
Triggers milk letdown
*signals to the brain to have milk come out faster
What are supernumerary nipples
Extra nipples
*located along embryonic milk line
*may be mistaken for a mole
*no pathological significance
What is the vascular supply of the breast
Axillary artery
*superior thoracic
*pectoral branches of the thoraco-acromion artery
*lateral thoracic
Internal mammary artery
*medial
Intercostal perforators
What are the central axiallry lymphatics of the breast
They are palpated most frequently
*along the chest wall, midway between anterior and posterior axillary folds
*can drain to infracalvicular and supraclavicular nodes
What are the pectoral lymphatics of the breast
Drain anterior chest wall and much of the breast
What are the subscapular lymphatics of the breast
Drain posterior chest wall and a portion of the arm
What are the lateral lymphatics of the breast
They are along the upper humerus, and drain most of the arm
What are the components of the male breast
- Consists of small nipple and areola
- Overlies a thin disc of underdeveloped breast tissue
- Has a firm button of tissue 2+cm in diameter
What is the tail of Spence
- Axillary tail of breast tissue
- Extends laterally across the anterior axillary fold
Where does the upper inner quadrant fall between
12 and 3 o’clock
Where does the lower inner quadrant fall between
3 and 6 o’clock
Where does the lower outer quadrant fall between
6 and 9 o’clock
Where does the upper outer quadrant fall between
9 and 12 o’clock
*area has the most breast tissue