MAMMARY GLANDS (Breast):
Gross anatomy
Specialized cutaneous glandular structure that is located in the superficial fascia of the
anterior chest wall, lying over the fascia of pectoralis muscle.
Rudimentary in males due to lack of endocrine support (estrogen and progesterone).
Becomes functional at puberty.
Parts of breast: nipple, areola, lobes and lobules (parenchyma), Axillary process,
suspensory ligament of Cooper (from stroma), lactiferous ducts and sinuses.
Bed of breast:
formed by 2/3rd of pectoralis fascia and 1/3rd of it formed by fascia of serratus anterior
muscle.
Extends horizontally from parasternal to mid axillary line, and vertically from 2 nd or 3rd
rib to 6th rib
Retro mammary space: space between the pectoralis fascia (which forms the bed of
breast) and breast.
This space allows movement of breast over the pectoralis fascia.
, Axillary process:
part of mammary gland that may extend from the inferolateral edge of pectoralis major
towards axillary fossa
Also known as tail of Spence.
May be enlarged during menstrual cycle, can be confused with lump (tumor) or enlarged
axillary lymph nodes.(lymphoma)
Suspensory ligaments:
Condensations of fibrous connective tissue that attach the mammary glands to dermis
of overlying skin
Well developed in superior part of breast
Provides shape and support to lobes and lobules of breast
Gross anatomy
Specialized cutaneous glandular structure that is located in the superficial fascia of the
anterior chest wall, lying over the fascia of pectoralis muscle.
Rudimentary in males due to lack of endocrine support (estrogen and progesterone).
Becomes functional at puberty.
Parts of breast: nipple, areola, lobes and lobules (parenchyma), Axillary process,
suspensory ligament of Cooper (from stroma), lactiferous ducts and sinuses.
Bed of breast:
formed by 2/3rd of pectoralis fascia and 1/3rd of it formed by fascia of serratus anterior
muscle.
Extends horizontally from parasternal to mid axillary line, and vertically from 2 nd or 3rd
rib to 6th rib
Retro mammary space: space between the pectoralis fascia (which forms the bed of
breast) and breast.
This space allows movement of breast over the pectoralis fascia.
, Axillary process:
part of mammary gland that may extend from the inferolateral edge of pectoralis major
towards axillary fossa
Also known as tail of Spence.
May be enlarged during menstrual cycle, can be confused with lump (tumor) or enlarged
axillary lymph nodes.(lymphoma)
Suspensory ligaments:
Condensations of fibrous connective tissue that attach the mammary glands to dermis
of overlying skin
Well developed in superior part of breast
Provides shape and support to lobes and lobules of breast
