Anatomy of the breast Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is polythelia?
Supernumeray nipples
What is the term for an accessory breast?
Polymastia
The base of the breast extends over which ribs?
Ribs 2 - 6
What are the medial and lateral borders of breast tissue?
Sternum
Mid-axillary line
Which space is found between the breast tissue + pectoralis fascia?
Retromammary space
What is the main function of the retromammary space?
Permits free movement of the breast independent of pectoralis major - there should be no attachment to underlying muscle
Which ligaments sit in the breast and attach to the dermis?
Cooper’s ligaments
The nipple has how many lactiferous ducts?
15 - 20
What are the glands on the areola called?
Montgomery glands
What is the innervation to the breast?
T4 - T6 intercostal nerves
What are the 2 main blood supplies to the breast?
Medial mammillary branches (internal thoracic artery)
Lateral mammillary branches
(axillary artery)
What are the 2 lymphatic drainage routes of breast tissue?
Medial - parasternal nodes
Lateral - axillary nodes
Which 3 groups of nodes does breast skin drain to?
Axillary nodes
Infraclavicular nodes
Deep cervical nodes
Carcinomas arise from which kind of tissue?
Epithelial tissues
What is infection of the breast glands called?
Mastitis
What causes peau d’orange?
Blockage of dermal lymphatic drainage by tumours
