breast histology

Question 1

what is the basic structure of the non-lactating breast?

Answer 1

the secretory tissue of breast is made up of 15-25 lobes, each consisting of a compound tubulo-acinar gland which drains via a series of ducts leading to the nipples

adjacent to the secretory lobules is dense fibrous tissue which in turn is surrounded by adipose tissue

Question 2

is the mammary gland a subcutaneous structure?

Answer 2

yes

Question 3

describe the duct system

Answer 3

terminal ductules lead into an intralobular collecting duct which leads into lactiferous duct for that lobe.

the lactiferous duct leads to the nipple, passing through an expanded duct region near the nipple called the lactiferous sinus

Question 4

what type of cells are myoepithelial cells

Answer 4

contractile cells

Question 5

what type of epithelium covers the nipple?

Answer 5

highly pigmented kertainized stratified squamous epithelium

also has a core of dense irregular connective tissue mixed with bundles of smooth muscle

Question 6

in the luteal phase, what happens to the epithelial cells

Answer 6

they get taller (increase in height)

Question 7

in the luteal phase , what happens to the lumina of the ducts

Answer 7

they become enlarged an dsmall amounts of secretions appear in the ducts

Question 8

in the first trimester of pregnancy, describe changes to the breast

Answer 8

elongation and branching of the smaller ducts

proliferation of epithelial cells of glands and myoepithelial cellss

Question 9

in the second trimester of pregnancy, describe changes to the breast

Answer 9

glandular tissues continues to develop with differentiation of secretory alveoli

plasma cells and lymphocytes infiltrate nearby connective tissue

Question 10

in the third trimester , describe changes to the breast

Answer 10

secretory alveoli continue to mature with development of extensive rER

Question 11

what hormones stimulate proliferation of secretory tissue in pregnancy

Answer 11

oestrogen and progesterone

Question 12

what makes up most of human milk?

Answer 12

water

Question 13

how is the fatty part of the milk secreted?

Answer 13

by apocrine secretion

Question 14

how is the protein in milk secreted?

Answer 14

by merocrine secretion

Question 15

following menopause, what happens to the breast tissue?

Answer 15

secretory cells degenerate leaving only ducts

less fibroblasts in the connective tissue

reduced collagen and elastic fibres

Question 16

most breast cancers come from what cells>

Answer 16

epithelial cells