Breast Histology

Question 1

What makes up the secretory tissue of the breast?

Answer 1

15-20 lobes, each consisting of tubuloacinar glands that drain via ducts to the nipple

Question 2

What tissues make up the non-lactating breast?

Answer 2

Fibrous and adipose tissue

Question 3

Describe the duct system in the breast

Answer 3

Terminal ductules lead into intralobular collecting ducts that lead into the lactiferous duct for that lobe
The lactiferous duct leads to the nipple

Question 4

How does the epithelium differ between large ducts and secretory acini?

Answer 4

Large ducts: columnar

Secretory acini: cuboidal

Question 5

What type of epithelium lines the nipple?

Answer 5

Highly pigmented keratinized stratified squamous epithelium

Question 6

Describe the changes that occur in the breast during the menstrual cycle

Answer 6

Epithelial cells increase in height
Lumina of ducts become enlarged
Small secretions appear

Question 7

Describe the changes that occur in the breast if pregnancy occurs

Answer 7

Elongation and branching of smaller ducts
Glandular tissue development
Secretory alveoli mature

Question 8

What effect do oestrogen and progesterone have on secretory and adipose tissue?

Answer 8

Stimulate proliferation of secretory tissue

Fibro-fatty tissue becomes sparse

Question 9

By what mechanism of secretion are lipid droplets of milk secreted?

Answer 9

Apocrine secretion: droplet buds off with a little bit of cytoplasm with it

Question 10

By what mechanism of secretion are proteins of milk secreted?

Answer 10

Merocrine secretion: vesicle containing packaged protein releases all of its contents