The Breast Flashcards
What structures does the breast layover?
Pectoralis Major and Serratus Anterior (Ribs 2-6).
Lobules
Lobes of glandular tissue, which synthesizes and produces milk.
Lactiferous Ducts
Allow milk produced in the lobules to be transported to the nipple.
Positioned on the anterior surface of the breast.
Nipple
Surrounds the nipple; is a circular hyperpigmented region; small collections of smooth muscle at the base may cause erection of nipple when breastfeeding or when sexually aroused.
Areola
Bands of fibrous connective tissue that support the breast and maintain its normal shape; the fibrous bands course from the deep fascia, through the breast tissue, and terminate in the dermis.
Suspensory (Cooper’s) Ligaments.
A layer of loose connective tissue that separates the breast from the deep fascia overlying the pectoralis major and anterior serratus muscles.
Retromammary Space
Mammary gland tissue that extends along the inferior border of the pectoralis major muscle into the axilla
Axillary tail
Name the 3 perforating branch arteries of the breast.
Internal thoracic, Lateral thoracic, and Posterior intercostal arteries.
Name the 3 tributary veins of the breast.
Internal thoracic, Lateral thoracic, and Posterior intercostal veins.
Where does the majority of lymphatic drainage from the breast drain into?
Axillary nodes
Where does the lymphatic drainage of the medial breast drain into?
Parasternal nodes, supraclavicular nodes, and inguinal nodes.
Where does the left breast specifically drain?
The thoracic lymphatic duct at the brachiocephalic venous junction.
Where does the right breast specifically drain?
The right thoracic lymphatic duct at the junction of the right brachiocephalic vein.
What are the axillary nodes?
Humoral (lateral) nodes Pectoral (anterior) nodes Subscapular (posterior) nodes Central nodes Apical nodes
