Thorax 6 - anatomy of the breast

Question 1

From which levels does the female breast extend?

Answer 1

2nd - 6th in the midclavicular line

Overlies the pectoralis major

Question 2

Of what is the breast made?

Answer 2

glandular tissue, fat and fibrous tissue.

Question 3

What are the 2 views you can look at the breast?

Answer 3

Cranio-caudal

Medial lateral oblique (MLO)

Question 4

What are the characteristics of a breast tumour?

Answer 4

Breast cancer can cause tethering and it looks spiculated in a mammogram
• Breast cancer causes microcalcification
• This abnormal calcification is linear and follows the milk ducts to the nipple
• All the bits in white are the areas of microcalcification

Question 5

How is the breast supplied with blood?

Answer 5

• The blood supply is derived from branches of the:
o Lateral thoracic artery
o Internal thoracic artery
o Thoraco-acromial artery
o Thoraco-dorsal artery
o Intercostal arteries
• The skin is supplied by the subdermal plexus which communicates with the deep parenchymal vessels
• The nipple receives a branch from the internal thoracic artery

Question 6

From which nerves is the major innervation of the breast?

Answer 6

Thoracic intercostal nerves T3-T5

Question 7

Where do breast lymph nodes drain into?

Answer 7

Pectoral group of axillary node