Breast (dave's notes) Flashcards
In what space is the breast found?
In the subcutaneous tissue of the anterior thoracic wall
What ribs mark the base of the breast?
Ribs 2-6, from midline to the mid axillary line
What does the breast overlie?
Pectoralis major, SAM, and small parts of RS??
How many lactiferous ducts are there?
15-20 lactiferous ducts converge on the nipple.
What may form elevations on the areolar?
Sebaceous glands under the areolar
What fascia is behind the breast? What does it form?
The superficial fascia. Condenses to form a posterior capsule with suspensory ligaments.
What is between the posterior capsule and the deep fascia?
The submammary space
What is the main blood supply to the breast?
Mainly by the lateral thoracic artery with a branch curling around pectoralis major
Other than the lateral thoracic artery, what is the supply to the breast?
The internal thoracic, through the 2nd and 3rd intercostal spaces, and the IC (?inferior clavicular?? intercostal??) arteries.
A pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial artery supply the upper part
What is the venous drainage of the breast?
Mainly by deep veins to the internal thoracic and axillary veins. Some also to posterior intercostals.
What is the destination of breast lymph?
Lateral parts drain to axillary and infraclavicular nodes
Medial parts drain to internal thoracic and parasternal nodes
There can also be significant medial and lateral cross flow in addition to left/right cross flow
What is the nerve supply of the breast? What stimulates lactation?
The cutaneous branch of the IC nerve. (??). Sympathetic fibres supply blood vessels and glands, lactation is hormonal.
Describe the structure of the breast
The structure is of fibrous and fatty tissue (with glandular tissue is rather sparse and constant between individuals).
What is the breast divided into? How?
Fibrous septa divide the breast into lobules
Describe the developmental origin of the breast
A modified apocrine gland, beginning in the 4th week as a down growth from thickened mammary ridge.
