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Questions and Answers
What is the primary hormone regulating lactation?
What is the primary hormone regulating lactation?
Which condition is NOT commonly associated with breast cancer metastasis via the lymphatic system?
Which condition is NOT commonly associated with breast cancer metastasis via the lymphatic system?
Which of the following factors is associated with reducing the risk of breast cancer?
Which of the following factors is associated with reducing the risk of breast cancer?
Which benign condition involves spontaneous milk flow that is not related to pregnancy?
Which benign condition involves spontaneous milk flow that is not related to pregnancy?
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What is the primary risk factor associated with the development of breast cancer in both males and females?
What is the primary risk factor associated with the development of breast cancer in both males and females?
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What is the primary function of the breasts?
What is the primary function of the breasts?
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What is the consequence of the biochemical imbalance between estrogen and testosterone in males?
What is the consequence of the biochemical imbalance between estrogen and testosterone in males?
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Which structure serves as an attachment point for the suspensory ligaments of the breast?
Which structure serves as an attachment point for the suspensory ligaments of the breast?
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Why is lymphatic drainage especially relevant in oncology related to the breasts?
Why is lymphatic drainage especially relevant in oncology related to the breasts?
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What primarily comprises the areola surrounding the nipple?
What primarily comprises the areola surrounding the nipple?
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What common benign breast condition may present with pain and discomfort?
What common benign breast condition may present with pain and discomfort?
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How many lobules are typically found within the mammary glands?
How many lobules are typically found within the mammary glands?
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What is the role of Cooper's ligaments within the breast?
What is the role of Cooper's ligaments within the breast?
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Which anatomical region of the breast is referred to as the axillary tail?
Which anatomical region of the breast is referred to as the axillary tail?
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Which lymph nodes receive the least amount of lymphatic drainage from the breast?
Which lymph nodes receive the least amount of lymphatic drainage from the breast?
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During pregnancy, what happens to the sebaceous glands in the areola?
During pregnancy, what happens to the sebaceous glands in the areola?
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Which artery provides arterial supply to the medial aspect of the breast?
Which artery provides arterial supply to the medial aspect of the breast?
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What percentage of lymph from the breast drains to the axillary lymph nodes?
What percentage of lymph from the breast drains to the axillary lymph nodes?
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Which component of the breast provides a supporting structure surrounding the mammary glands?
Which component of the breast provides a supporting structure surrounding the mammary glands?
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Which group of lymph nodes drains to the central axillary lymph nodes?
Which group of lymph nodes drains to the central axillary lymph nodes?
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What role do the anterior and lateral cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerves have in breast physiology?
What role do the anterior and lateral cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerves have in breast physiology?
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How does cancer metastasize through the lymphatic system from the breast?
How does cancer metastasize through the lymphatic system from the breast?
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Which of the following statements is true regarding the blood supply to the lateral aspects of the breast?
Which of the following statements is true regarding the blood supply to the lateral aspects of the breast?
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What is the primary function of the autonomic fibers in the intercostal nerves related to the breast?
What is the primary function of the autonomic fibers in the intercostal nerves related to the breast?
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Study Notes
Anatomy of the Breast
- The breast, as mammary glands, is for feeding infants with breast milk during lactation.
- The round shape of the breast limits the loss of maternal body heat.
- Milk production depends on a higher temperature for the mammary gland tissues (lactiferous ducts).
- The breast is located on the anterior thoracic wall.
- It extends horizontally from the lateral border of the sternum to the mid-axillary line.
- Vertically, it spans between the 2nd and 6th intercostal cartilages.
- It lies superficially to the Pectoralis Major (PM) and Serratus Anterior muscles.
Regions of the Breast
- The breast has two main regions:
- Circular body: The largest and most prominent part of the breast.
- Axillary tail: A smaller part along the inferior lateral edge of the Pectoralis Major muscle, towards the axillary fossa.
Parts of the Breast
- The nipple is centrally located, composed of smooth muscle fibers.
- The areola surrounds the nipple, and is a pigmented area of skin.
- Numerous sebaceous glands in the areola enlarge during pregnancy, secreting an oily substance that lubricates the nipple.
Composition of the Breast
- The breast is composed of mammary glands surrounded by a connective tissue stroma.
- Mammary glands are modified sweat glands.
- They consist of ducts and secretory lobules (15-20).
- Each lobule has many alveoli drained by a single lactiferous duct.
- These ducts converge at the nipple.
Connective Tissue Stroma
- The connective tissue stroma supports the mammary glands.
- It has fibrous and fatty components.
- The fibrous stroma forms suspensory ligaments (of Cooper).
- These ligaments attach and secure the breast to the dermis and underlying pectoral fascia.
- They also separate secretory lobules of the breast.
Lymphatic Drainage
- Breast lymphatic drainage is clinically important due to its role in breast cancer metastasis.
- Three groups of lymph nodes receive lymph from breast tissue:
- Axillary nodes (75%)
- Parasternal nodes (20%)
- Posterior intercostal nodes (5%)
- The skin of the breast drains to axillary, inferior deep cervical, and infraclavicular nodes.
- The nipple and areola drain to the subareolar lymphatic plexus.
Disposition of Axillary Lymph Nodes
- Axillary lymph nodes include pectoral, subscapular, and humeral groups. These drain to the central and apical axillary nodes.
Importance of Lymphatic Drainage of the Breast
- Approximately 75% of breast lymph travels to the axillary lymph nodes, on the same side of the body.
- 25% travels to the parasternal nodes (beside the sternum).
- A small amount travels to the other breast and abdominal lymph nodes.
The Axillary Lymph Nodes (ALN)
- ALNs consist of pectoral, subscapular, and humeral groups.
- These drain to the central and apical axillary lymph nodes.
Nerve Supply
- The breast is innervated by the anterior and lateral cutaneous branches of the 4th to 6th intercostal nerves.
- These nerves contain sensory and autonomic nerve fibers that regulate smooth muscle and blood vessel tone.
- Nerve function doesn't control milk secretion.
- Milk secretion is controlled by prolactin, secreted from the anterior pituitary gland.
Clinical Significance
- Common benign conditions include puerperal mastitis and fibrocystic breast changes/mastalgia.
- Lactation unrelated to pregnancy can occur (galactorrhea) due to drugs, stress, or endocrine disorders.
- Newborn infants can produce milk due to the mother's circulating hormones (prolactin, oxytocin, etc.).
- Breast cancer is a common cause of cancer death in women.
- Breast cancer risk can be decreased by regular breast exams, mammograms, self-exams, healthy diet, and exercise.
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Description
Explore the fascinating structure and function of the breast in this quiz. Learn about its anatomy, regions, and parts, including the importance of lactation and temperature regulation. Test your understanding of the breast as a critical component of the mammary system.
