Breast anatomy

Question 1

Describe Coopers ligaments

Answer 1

Fibrous thickening of supportive connective tissue that extend from the deep layer of the superficial fascia to the dermis of the skin
Perpendicular to the dermis
Interdigitate between the parenchyma of the breast
Function: mobility, structural support, breast contour

Question 2

What is the blood supply of the breast?

Answer 2

1. Internal mammary artery
   - branch of origin of subclavian, runs parallel to sternum between transverse thoracicis and internal intercostals, gives branches through 2-5 ICS, terminates as superior epigastric and musculophrenic a.
2. branches of axillary artery
   - lateral thoracic artery (med. ax. wall, also supplies serratus anterior)
   - thoracoacromial artery (pectoral branches)
3. Posterior intercostal arteries
   - branches of aorta and superior intercostal arteries

Question 3

Venous drainage of the breast

Answer 3

1. circulus venosus: extensive anastomotic network
2. Internal mammary veins
3. Axillary vein tributaries
4. Posterior intercostal veins
   - lie in continuity with vertebral venous plexus
   (run from BOS to sacrum, route of haematogenous spread to skull/vertebrae/CNS)