Normal breast anatomy

Question 1

Structure of the breast

Answer 1

-Divided into 15-20 lobules
by FIBROUS sheaths
-Lobules are made up of glandular tissue = make up the parenchyma of the breast
-Lots of ducts each of which opens up separately into breast
-Each duct has a dilated section before it opens up into nipple= lactiferous sinus

Question 2

Margins

Answer 2

2/6th rib

-Sternal margin to mid-axillary line

Question 3

Parts of breast

Answer 3

• Nipple: erectile tissue
• Areola: pigmented area surrounding nipple
• Lactiferous ducts
• Lactiferous sinus

Question 4

Anatomical structure relations

Answer 4

• Tail of spence: small process which moved into the axillary fossa
• 2/3rd of breast lies on pectoralis major
• 1/3rd breast lies of serratus anterior

Question 5

Describe the structure of the nipple

Answer 5

No fat/hair
Postion:
-Variable
-4th intercostal space

Contains collagenous dense connective tissue, elastic fibres, bands of smooth muscle

Question 6

Describe the structure of the areola

Answer 6

• Skin covering the nipple and areola
• contains numerous sweat and sebaceous glands
• Enlarges during pregnancy
• Provides lubricant

Question 7

Lymphatic drainage

Answer 7

• Most from lateral quadrants: Axillary lymph nodes
• Some to supraclavicular /inferior cervical
• Lymph from medial quadrants: parasternal or opposite breast