Anatomy of the Breast

BREASTS
Mammary glands

- accessory to reproduction in females;

rudimentary and functionless in males
- in the subcutaneous tissue overlying the pectoral
muscles
- amount of fat surrounding the glandular tissue
determines the size of breasts
Breast Quadrants
Divisible into 4 quadrants
Female breast extends
transversely from the lateral
border of the sternum to the
MAL ; vertically from the 2nd
through 6th ribs
A small part may extend along the
inferolateral edge of the pectoralis
major muscle toward the axilla
forming an axillary tail of
Spence
 Nipple usually at the level of
the 4th ICS surrounded by
areola
Lactiferous duct
Retromammary space
Suspensory ligaments of
Cooper
Vasculature of the Breast
Blood supply:
1. Internal thoracic from subclavian
2. Lateral thoracic and
Thoracoacromial from axillary
3. Post intercostal from thoracic
aorta
Venous drainage:
1. Lateral thoracic and
thoracoacromial to axillary
2. Internal thoracic
 Lymphatic drainage:
1. Lateral Quadrants to
Axillary lymph nodes
2. Medial Quadrants to
Parasternal nodes

Nerve supply:
4th to 6th intercostal nerves