objective 17 Flashcards
present in both males and females
are an accessory reproductive organ
produce milk for nourishing the newborn
mammary glands
- Lie anterior to the pectoralis major and serratus anterior
muscles. - Located between the 2nd and 6th ribs
- Extend from the side of the sternum to midaxillary line
- Tail of Spence
breasts
- Just below the center of the breast
- Rough, round, usually protuberant, surface looks wrinkled
- Indented with tiny milk duct openings
nipple
- Surrounds the nipple, 1-2 cm radius
- Contains Montgomery glands
- Smooth muscle fibers that cause nipple erection when
stimulated
areola
- Contains 15-20 lobes radiating from the nipple
- Lobes are composed of lobules
- Alveoli are within each lobule and produce milk
- Each lobe empties into a lactiferous duct
glandular tissue
form a collecting duct system that converges at the nipple
lactiferous ducts
located behind
the nipple) which are reservoirs for storing milk
ampullae
- Fibrous bands that extend vertically from the surface to attach
on the chest wall muscles - Support breast tissue
- Become contracted in cancer of the breast (causes pits or
dimples in the overlying skin)
suspensory ligaments
- Where the lobes are embedded
- Layers of subcutaneous and retromammary fat - provide most of
the bulk of the breast
adipose tissue
what are the 4 quadrants of the breast?
upper outer
lower outer
upper inner
lower inner
what are the 4 groups of axillary nodes present in the breasts?
central axillary node
pectoral
subscapular
lateral
what are the developmental considerations for fetus?
- During embryonic life, “milk lines” are present.
- Supernumerary nipple - extra nipple may persist and is visible
somewhere along the track of the mammary ridge
what are the developmental considerations for infants?
- At birth, the only breast structures present are lactiferous ducts within
the nipple - No alveoli have developed
- In neonates, breasts may be enlarged and visible due to maternal
estrogen, may secrete a clear or white fluid (“witch’s milk”) - Little change occurs until puberty
what are the developmental considerations for adolescents?
- At puberty the estrogen hormones stimulate breast changes
- Breasts enlarge, duct system grows and branches, masses of small solid
cells develop at the duct endings (potential alveoli) - One breast may grow faster than the other
- Temporary asymmetry may cause distress, some reassurance is necessary
- Tenderness in the developing breast is common
- Age of onset varies widely
- Breasts develop in 5 stages according to Tanner staging (Table 18.1)
- Thelarche (beginning of breast development) precedes menarche
(beginning of menstruation) by about 2 years
what are the developmental considerations for pregnency?
- Breast changes start during the second month
- Breasts enlarge and feel more nodular
- Nipples are darker, larger, and more erectile
- Areolae become larger and darker as pregnancy progresses
- Tubercles become more prominent
- Venous pattern is prominent over the skin surface
- After the 4th month, colostrum may be expressed
- Lactation begins 1-3 days postpartum
- Even in non-pregnant women, breasts change during the monthly
menstrual cycle due to hormones.