Mammary Gland Flashcards
What is the axillary tail of the mammary gland?
A tail of fat that extends back into the axilla.
To which specific group of superficial lymph nodes does the majority of lymph from the breast drain?
The axillary group
What is an important clinical fact dealing with the other aspects of the lymphatic drainage?
That 10% of the lymph from one breast drains to the opposite breast
In which quadrant do tumors most frequently occur?
the superolateral quadrant (uppermost and lateral)
Why do breast enlarge during the latter stages of pregnancy?
The glandular material (lactiferous glands) proliferates and enlarges as they prepare to produce milk.
Which component of the lactiferous apparatus terminates on the nipple?
lactiferous duct
Why is the nipple able to become erect?
It contains circularly-arranged smooth muscle fibers.
What is the pigmented area surrounding the nipple called?
areola
Between which two fascial planes is the retromammary space located?
Between the posterior mammary fascia and the deep fascia of the pectoralis major.
What is the significance of the retromammary space?
It allows free movement of the breast over the deep fascia of the pectoralis major.
If breast mobility is reduced, what does this indicate?
That the integrity of the fasciae has been compromised - most often by a growth from the breast back into the muscle (ie. tumor).
What is the retromammary space used for in cosmetic surgery?
Breast augmentations (silicone/saline) implants are placed in this plane and sutured to the deep fascia of the pectoralis major.
What is the function of the suspensory ligaments?
They “support” the breast preventing it from premature sagging.
What is the implication of the suspensory ligaments in advanced tumorigenesis of the breast?
Tumor growth pushes the breast out and the suspensory ligaments become taut giving the skin of the breast an orange peel (dimpled) appearance.
