Breasts Flashcards
What are breasts?
Modified apocrine sweat glands
When does maturation of the breast begin?
During puberty
When does maturation of the breast finish?
During 1st pregnancy
What happens to the breast tissue during menopause?
Regression of breast tissue (muscle atrophy)
Fat % increases
Why is it only helpful to do a mammogram on an older woman?
They have less breast tissue, so abnormalities in the breast can be seen
What are the mammary glands surrounded by?
Myoepithelial cells (specialised smooth muscle cell)
What does the milk in a breast drain into to get to the nipple pores?
Lactiferous ducts
What is accessory breast tissue?
Excess breast tissue in abnormal places
Found along the course of the embryology mammary streak
What is poland syndrome?
The absence of chest muscles (pectoralis) on one side and webbing of the ipsilateral fingers
What are the breasts supported by?
Cooper’s suspensory ligaments
Roughly how many lobes are there in the breast?
15-20
What is the external blood vessel suppling the breasts called?
Lateral thoracic artery
What is the internal blood vessel supplying the breast called?
Thoracic artery
What are the risk factors for women with breast cancer? (4)
Being a women
Age
Alcohol
Genetics
What can reduce your chances of getting breast cancer? (3)
Breast feeding
Exercise
1st pregnancy before the age of 30
