Mammary glands

Question 1

where are the breasts located?

Answer 1

The breasts are paired structures located on the anterior thoracic wall, in the pectoral region

Question 2

when are breasts more prominent? (gender and age)

Answer 2

They are present in both males and females, yet are more prominent in females following puberty

Question 3

In females, what do the breasts contain?

Answer 3

contain the mammary glands

Question 4

what are the mammary glands

Answer 4

an accessory gland of the female reproductive system

Question 5

what are the mammary glands key structures involved in?

Answer 5

the key structures involved in lactation

Question 6

where do the breasts extend from to?

Answer 6

It extends horizontally from the lateral border of the sternum to the mid-axillary line

Question 7

vertically, where do the breasts span between?

Answer 7

between the 2nd and 6th intercostal cartilages

Question 8

where do the breasts lie?

Answer 8

It lies superficially to the pectoralis major and serratus anterior muscles

Question 9

what are the regions that the breasts can be said to be composed of?

Answer 9

2 regions:
Circular body
Axillary tail

Question 10

describe the circular body section of the breasts

Answer 10

largest and most prominent part of the breast

Question 11

describe the axillary tail section of the breasts

Answer 11

smaller part, runs along the inferior lateral edge of the pectoralis major towards the axillary fossa

Question 12

what is at the centre of the breast? what is it composed of>

Answer 12

the nipple, composed mostly of smooth muscle fibres

Question 13

what is surrounding the nipple?

Answer 13

a pigmented area of skin termed the areolae

Question 14

what is within the areolae?

Answer 14

There are numerous sebaceous glands within the areolae

Question 15

what is the function of the sebaceous glands within the areolae?

Answer 15

they enlarge during pregnancy, secreting an oily substance that acts as a protective lubricant for the nipple

Question 16

what is the breast composed of?

Answer 16

The breast is composed of mammary glands surrounded by a connective tissue stroma

Question 17

what are the mammary glands?

Answer 17

modified sweat glands

Question 18

what do the mammary glands consist of?

Answer 18

a series of ducts and secretory lobules (15-20)

Question 19

what do each secretory lobule of the mammary gland consist of?

Answer 19

Each lobule consists of many alveoli drained by a single lactiferous duct

Question 20

what does each lactiferous duct contain? what is it called?

Answer 20

Each duct contains a dilated section, (the lactiferous sinus)

Question 21

where is the lactiferous sinus located?

Answer 21

located just behind the areola

Question 22

in a nursing mother, what accumulates in the lactiferous sinus?

Answer 22

In the nursing mother, droplets of milk accumulate in this sinus

Question 23

when is the droplets of milk accumulated in the lactiferous sinus expressed?

Answer 23

when the baby begins to suckle

Question 24

where does the lactiferous duct converge?

Answer 24

The lactiferous ducts converge at the nipple like spokes of a wheel

Question 25

what is the CT stroma’s function? what does it surround?

Answer 25

The connective tissue stroma is a supporting structure which surrounds the mammary glands

Question 26

what are the components of the CT stroma?

Answer 26

It has a fibrous and a fatty component

Question 27

what does the fibrous stroma form?

Answer 27

The fibrous stroma condenses to form suspensory ligaments (of Cooper)

Question 28

what are the functions of the suspensory ligaments (of Cooper)?

Answer 28

2 functions:
Attach and secure the breast to the dermis and underlying pectoral fascia,
Separate the secretory lobules of the breast

Question 29

what is the Pectoral Fascia?

Answer 29

a flat sheet of connective tissue associated with the pectoralis major muscle

Question 30

what lies on the Pectoral Fascia?

Answer 30

The base of the breast lies on the pectoral fascia

Question 31

what does the Pectoral Fascia act as?

Answer 31

an attachment point for the suspensory ligaments

Question 32

what is between the breast and pectoral fascia? what is it known as?

Answer 32

There is a layer of loose connective tissue between the breast and pectoral fascia – known as the retromammary space

Question 33

what is the retromammary space used as?

Answer 33

This is a potential space, often used in reconstructive plastic surgery