Pectoral Region Flashcards
Clavicle
elevation medially of sternoclavicular joint
laterally to acromion process
jugular (suprasternal) notch
superior border of manubrium
median furrow
between sternal attachments of pectorals major muscle
sternal angle
angle between manubrium and sternum at point of junction with second rib
xiphoid process
inferior body of sternum; mainly cartilage
nipple
located at mid-clavicular line at 4th intercostal space
not reliable landmark in adult female
anterior axillary fold
lateral border of pectoralis major
deltopectoral triangle
space at junction of clavicle with the deltoid and pectoralis major muscle
deltopectoral groove
between deltoid and pectoralis major muscle; leads to deltopectoral triangle
Superficial structures of pectoral region
- Supraclavicular nerves (C3, C4)- from cervical plexus
- anterior and lateral cutaneous branches of ventral rami of thoracic spinal nerves
- anterior perforating arteries of internal thoracic artery
- lateral cutaneous branches from posterior intercostal arteries
- cephalic vein
Cephalic vein
- travels between deltoid and pectoralis major
- courses superiorly and enters deltopectoral triangle
- dives deep and pierces costocoracoid membrane to join axillary vein
mammary glands are:
- present in both sexes
-rudimentary in prepubescent females and male
-hormonal changes in female change structure of gland
-modified sweat glands
-contained within superficial connective tissue
(no fibrous capsule or specialized vascular, nerve, or lymph supply- gets whats around it bc modified sweat gland)
Changes in breast
- puberty- increase in number of ducts and proliferation of glands
- increase in fat deposition throughout life
- menstrual cycle get swelling and proliferation of glands- regress if no pregnancy; if pregnancy tissue increases
- develop along milk line (can find extra nipples along this line)
- located between 2nd and 6th ribs from lateral border of sternum to anterior or midaxillary line
axillary tail of breast
superolateral extension of break tissue
Description of breast
- conical and smooth
- areola=circular pigmented area
- elevated due to presence of areolar glands (sebaceous and rudimentary milk glands)
Glandular structure of breasts
- 15-20 lobes of tubulo-aveolar glands
- lobes are pyramid shaped; apex towards nipple
- lobe drained by lactiferous duct that opens to nipple
- lactiferous duct expands to form lactiferous sinus (storage area for secreted products)
Supported structure for breasts
- each lobe surrounded by connective tissue
- mammary gland surrounded by loosely organized connective tissue
- mammary gland rests on deep fascia covering pectoralis major and serratus anterior
- fat distributed between glandular tissue and skin
Cooper’s ligaments
collagen bundles within superficial fascia and run between skin and deep fascia; supportive structure for breasts
AKA suspensory ligaments
smooth muscle layer of breast
between nipple and areola
acts as sphincter for excretory ducts
rhythmic contraction helps empty lactiferous ducts
Internal thoracic artery
sends perforating arteries through intercostal space to supply breast area medially
lateral thoracic artery
2nd portion of axillary artery - supply breast tissue laterally by direct branches
anterior and lateral cutaneous branches of intercostal arteries 3-5
enter gland from deep side of breast tissue
Veins of breasts
venae comitantes of arterial supply
tributaries to internal thoracic, lateral thoracic, and intercostal veins
metastasis of breast cancer
intercostal veins that return blood from breast tissue enter into azygos vein that communicates with batson’s plexus