Normal Anatomy of the Breast Flashcards
What type of gland is the breast?
A HIGHLY specialised sweat gland
What are the attachments of the breasts?
- 2/3 lie on pectoral fascia covering pectoralis major
- 1/3 lie on fascia covering serratus anterior
How is the breast attached to the dermis?
The suspensory ligament of cooper (helps support lobules of the gland)
What are the following structures:
- Nipple
- Areola
Nipple - Prominence of breast
Areola - Pigmented area around the nipple
What are the lobules of the breast called and how are they drained?
Parenchyma, each one is drained by a lactiferous duct (opens independently on the nipple)
What is the dilated portion on each duct called?
Lactiferous sinus
What are the 4 quadrants and 1 extension of the breast?
- Superomedial quadrant
- Inferomedial quadrant
- Inferolateral quadrant
- Superolateral quadrant
- Axillary tail (extension in superolateral quadrant)
What are some characteristics of the male breast?
- Rudimentary throughout life
- Formed by small ducts without lobules or alveoli
- Little supporting fibroadipose tissue
- Temporary enlargement in newborn and during puberty
What is gynecomastia?
Postnatal development of rudimentary lactiferous ducts in males
How common is gynecomastia?
During midpuberty about 2/3 of boys develop varying degrees of hyperplasia of breast
What is athelia or amastia?
Absence of nipple or breast
What is polymastia?
An extra breast
What is polythelia?
An extra nipple
What is the blood supply to the breast?
- Thoraco acromial artery
- Lateral thoracic artery
- Internal mammary (thoracic) artery
What nerves supply the breast and what function do they provide?
Anterior and lateral branches of 4-6th intercostal nerves
Convey sensory fibres to skin of breast and carry sympathetic fibres to blood vessels and smooth muscle around nipple
