Mammary Glands Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the mammary glands?

Secrete milk during lactation (correct)

Produce hormones

Provide structural support

Store fat

Which of the following accurately describes the location of the breast?

In the abdominal cavity

Within the deep fascia of the pectoral region (correct)

On the surface of the pectoralis major muscle

Enclosed in a special capsule

What structure provides support to the breast by connecting it to the skin?

Alveolar ducts

Cooper's ligaments (correct)

Retromammary space

Montgomery glands

What is the typical weight range of a breast during lactation?

400 - 500 grams Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the superficial fascia is the mammary gland located within?

Deep layer Signup and view all the answers

How many lobes does each breast typically consist of?

15-20 lobes Signup and view all the answers

Where is the nipple (papilla mammaria) typically located?

At the 4th intercostal space Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the dilated part of the lactiferous duct just before it terminates?

Lactiferous sinus Signup and view all the answers

What are the Areolar (Montgomery) glands primarily associated with?

Providing lubrication to the areola Signup and view all the answers

Which arteries supply blood to the breast?

Lateral mammary and internal thoracic arteries Signup and view all the answers

What layer of fascia is located anterior to the pectoralis major muscle?

Deep fascia Signup and view all the answers

Where does the majority of the lymph drainage from the breast go?

Axillary lymph nodes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components contributes to the internal structure of the breast?

Glandular tissue Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical feature differentiates the upper part of the breast in terms of support?

Suspensory ligaments are stronger Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tissue forms most of the breast except during lactation?

Fatty tissue Signup and view all the answers

What role does the autonomic nervous system play in milk secretion?

Controls milk secretion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a nerve that innervates the breast?

Gastric nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the opening of the lactiferous duct at the nipple?

Ostium papillare Signup and view all the answers

Which group of axillary lymph nodes is primarily involved in lymph drainage from the breast?

Pectoral group Signup and view all the answers

What type of tissue is found surrounding and between the glandular tissue of the breast?

Adipose tissue Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mammary Glands

Modified skin glands located within the superficial fascia
No special capsule or sheath
Capable of secreting milk (lactation)
Present in both sexes

Size and Weight

Weight:
- 150-200 grams (non-lactating)
- 400-500 grams (lactating)

Shape and Localization

Hemispherical shape prepuberty
Shape changes with puberty, adolescence, pregnancy, lactation, and menopause
Localized in the pectoral region within the superficial fascia
Extends from the 2nd (or 3rd) to 6th (or 7th) ribs
Spans from the sternum to the midaxillary line

Superficial Fascia

Superficial fascia is divided into two layers:
- Superficial layer
- Deep layer
Mammary Gland is located within the deep layer of superficial fascia
Deep layer of superficial fascia forms the retromammary space

Deep Fascia

Located anterior to pectoralis major muscle
Suspensory Ligaments (of Cooper):
- Fibrous bands running between the skin and deep fascia
- Provide support to the breast, especially strong in the upper part

Clavipectoral Fascia

Deep fascia projecting to the clavicle and attaching to it

Axillary Tail

Superolateral part of the breast extending towards the axilla
May pierce the deep fascia and be close to axillary lymph nodes

External Features

Intermammary cleft: Space between the right and left breasts
Body of breast
Nipple (papilla mammaria):
- Located at the 4th intercostal space
Areola (areola mammae):
- Colored area of skin surrounding the nipple
- Contains Areolar (Montgomery) glands
Circular smooth muscle in nipple & areola (M. sphincter papilla)

Internal Structure

Composed of 3 tissues:
- Glandular tissue:
  - 15-20 lobes radiating out from the nipple
  - Each lobe has one lactiferous duct draining the lobe
  - Lactiferous ducts pass through the nipple opening onto its tip (ostium papillare)
  - Lactiferous sinus (ampulla): Dilated part of the lactiferous duct serving as a milk reservoir during lactation
- Fatty tissue:
  - Surrounds and is between glandular tissue
  - Forms most of the breast except during lactation
- Connective tissue

Blood Supply

Arteries:
- Lateral mammary branches: From the 2nd to 4th posterior intercostal arteries and lateral thoracic artery
- Medial mammary branches: From the internal thoracic artery
- Thoracoacromial artery: Branch of the axillary artery

Venous Drainage

Internal thoracic vein
Axillary vein
Intercostal vein

Nerve Supply

Supraclavicular nerve
2nd to 6th intercostal nerves:
- Anterior cutaneous branches
- Lateral cutaneous branches
Autonomic nervous system: Controls milk secretion

Lymphatic Drainage

Axillary lymph nodes: receive 75% of lymph drainage
- Pectoral Group
- Subscapular Group
- Apical Group
Parasternal lymph nodes receive the remaining lymph

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Description

Explore the anatomy and physiology of mammary glands. This quiz covers their structure, size, localization, and changes throughout different life stages. Understand the role of superficial and deep fascia in relation to the mammary gland.