Breast Anatomy and Function

What additional imaging tests may be recommended for individuals with dense breasts?

What is the estimated mortality risk from mammography-induced radiation?

Which age group is recommended to undergo annual mammography screening?

What factor increases the incidence of breast cancer with age?

What is a characteristic of the equipment used in mammography?

What is the primary physiological function of the breasts?

Which hormone is primarily responsible for preparing the glands for milk production?

What do dense breasts primarily contain?

How many lobes are typically found in a human breast?

What role does oxytocin play in breast function?

Which type of tissue primarily determines breast size?

What is the main role of lymph nodes in the body?

Breast cancers can form primarily in which parts of the breast?

Breast Anatomy and Function

Breasts are composed of glandular tissue (lobes and ducts), fibrous tissue (support), and fatty tissue (sizes breasts).
Fibroglandular tissue is all the non-fatty tissue.
Ligaments stretch from the skin to the chest wall, supporting breast tissue.
Pectoral muscle supports the breasts.
Blood vessels supply oxygen and remove waste.
Estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin are key hormones that regulate breast development and function.
Estrogen expands milk ducts and branches, while Prolactin promotes milk production.
Progesterone increases the number and size of lobules.
Oxytocin helps release milk.

Breast Lobes and Ducts

Breasts have 15-20 lobes containing smaller lobules.
Lobules produce milk and are clustered like grapes.
Ducts carry milk to the nipple, located in the areola (darker area).
Breast cancer can originate in ducts or lobes.

Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs throughout the body.
Lymph nodes combat infections.
Lymphocytes (immune cells) fight infection and diseases like cancer.
Lymph vessels carry lymph fluid from breasts to lymph nodes near the armpit, collarbone, neck, and chest.

Dense Breasts

Dense breasts are common, especially in younger women and women with smaller breasts.
Dense breasts consist primarily of fibrous or glandular tissue, appearing white on mammograms.
Cancer cells also appear white, making early detection harder.
Women with dense breasts may require additional imaging (ultrasound, MRI) for clearer visualisations.

Mammography Considerations

Mammography is crucial for early breast cancer detection.
Breast cancer is a common malignancy among women.
Early detection significantly boosts treatment success rates.
Some women experience higher radiation risk from mammography than others.

This quiz covers the anatomy and function of breasts, including the various types of tissues, hormonal influences, and the structure of lobes and ducts. Additionally, it touches on the role of lymph nodes in breast health. Test your knowledge on these fundamental concepts related to breast physiology.