Mammary glands Flashcards
where are the breasts located?
The breasts are paired structures located on the anterior thoracic wall, in the pectoral region
when are breasts more prominent? (gender and age)
They are present in both males and females, yet are more prominent in females following puberty
In females, what do the breasts contain?
contain the mammary glands
what are the mammary glands
an accessory gland of the female reproductive system
what are the mammary glands key structures involved in?
the key structures involved in lactation
where do the breasts extend from to?
It extends horizontally from the lateral border of the sternum to the mid-axillary line
vertically, where do the breasts span between?
between the 2nd and 6th intercostal cartilages
where do the breasts lie?
It lies superficially to the pectoralis major and serratus anterior muscles
what are the regions that the breasts can be said to be composed of?
2 regions:
Circular body
Axillary tail
describe the circular body section of the breasts
largest and most prominent part of the breast
describe the axillary tail section of the breasts
smaller part, runs along the inferior lateral edge of the pectoralis major towards the axillary fossa
what is at the centre of the breast? what is it composed of>
the nipple, composed mostly of smooth muscle fibres
what is surrounding the nipple?
a pigmented area of skin termed the areolae
what is within the areolae?
There are numerous sebaceous glands within the areolae
what is the function of the sebaceous glands within the areolae?
they enlarge during pregnancy, secreting an oily substance that acts as a protective lubricant for the nipple
what is the breast composed of?
The breast is composed of mammary glands surrounded by a connective tissue stroma
what are the mammary glands?
modified sweat glands
what do the mammary glands consist of?
a series of ducts and secretory lobules (15-20)
what do each secretory lobule of the mammary gland consist of?
Each lobule consists of many alveoli drained by a single lactiferous duct
what does each lactiferous duct contain? what is it called?
Each duct contains a dilated section, (the lactiferous sinus)
where is the lactiferous sinus located?
located just behind the areola
in a nursing mother, what accumulates in the lactiferous sinus?
In the nursing mother, droplets of milk accumulate in this sinus
when is the droplets of milk accumulated in the lactiferous sinus expressed?
when the baby begins to suckle
where does the lactiferous duct converge?
The lactiferous ducts converge at the nipple like spokes of a wheel
