Mammary glands Flashcards

1
Q

where are the breasts located?

A

The breasts are paired structures located on the anterior thoracic wall, in the pectoral region

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2
Q

when are breasts more prominent? (gender and age)

A

They are present in both males and females, yet are more prominent in females following puberty

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3
Q

In females, what do the breasts contain?

A

contain the mammary glands

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4
Q

what are the mammary glands

A

an accessory gland of the female reproductive system

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5
Q

what are the mammary glands key structures involved in?

A

the key structures involved in lactation

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6
Q

where do the breasts extend from to?

A

It extends horizontally from the lateral border of the sternum to the mid-axillary line

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7
Q

vertically, where do the breasts span between?

A

between the 2nd and 6th intercostal cartilages

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8
Q

where do the breasts lie?

A

It lies superficially to the pectoralis major and serratus anterior muscles

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9
Q

what are the regions that the breasts can be said to be composed of?

A

2 regions:
Circular body
Axillary tail

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10
Q

describe the circular body section of the breasts

A

largest and most prominent part of the breast

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11
Q

describe the axillary tail section of the breasts

A

smaller part, runs along the inferior lateral edge of the pectoralis major towards the axillary fossa

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12
Q

what is at the centre of the breast? what is it composed of>

A

the nipple, composed mostly of smooth muscle fibres

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13
Q

what is surrounding the nipple?

A

a pigmented area of skin termed the areolae

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14
Q

what is within the areolae?

A

There are numerous sebaceous glands within the areolae

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15
Q

what is the function of the sebaceous glands within the areolae?

A

they enlarge during pregnancy, secreting an oily substance that acts as a protective lubricant for the nipple

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16
Q

what is the breast composed of?

A

The breast is composed of mammary glands surrounded by a connective tissue stroma

17
Q

what are the mammary glands?

A

modified sweat glands

18
Q

what do the mammary glands consist of?

A

a series of ducts and secretory lobules (15-20)

19
Q

what do each secretory lobule of the mammary gland consist of?

A

Each lobule consists of many alveoli drained by a single lactiferous duct

20
Q

what does each lactiferous duct contain? what is it called?

A

Each duct contains a dilated section, (the lactiferous sinus)

21
Q

where is the lactiferous sinus located?

A

located just behind the areola

22
Q

in a nursing mother, what accumulates in the lactiferous sinus?

A

In the nursing mother, droplets of milk accumulate in this sinus

23
Q

when is the droplets of milk accumulated in the lactiferous sinus expressed?

A

when the baby begins to suckle

24
Q

where does the lactiferous duct converge?

A

The lactiferous ducts converge at the nipple like spokes of a wheel

25
what is the CT stroma's function? what does it surround?
The connective tissue stroma is a supporting structure which surrounds the mammary glands
26
what are the components of the CT stroma?
It has a fibrous and a fatty component
27
what does the fibrous stroma form?
The fibrous stroma condenses to form suspensory ligaments (of Cooper)
28
what are the functions of the suspensory ligaments (of Cooper)?
2 functions: Attach and secure the breast to the dermis and underlying pectoral fascia, Separate the secretory lobules of the breast
29
what is the Pectoral Fascia?
a flat sheet of connective tissue associated with the pectoralis major muscle
30
what lies on the Pectoral Fascia?
The base of the breast lies on the pectoral fascia
31
what does the Pectoral Fascia act as?
an attachment point for the suspensory ligaments
32
what is between the breast and pectoral fascia? what is it known as?
There is a layer of loose connective tissue between the breast and pectoral fascia – known as the retromammary space
33
what is the retromammary space used as?
This is a potential space, often used in reconstructive plastic surgery