Anatomy of the Breast
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Anatomy of the Breast
The External Surface Anatomy of the Breast
The female breast lies against the anterior thoracic wall, extending from the clavicle and the second rib down to the sixth rib, and from the side of the sternum across to the midaxillary line. The breasts lie anterior to the pectoralis major and serratus anterior muscles. The superior lateral portion of breast tissue projects upward and laterally into the axilla. This portion is called the Axillary tail of Spence.
The nipple is situated below the center of the breast. It is rough, round, and usually protuberant. Its surface appears wrinkled and indented with tiny milk duct openings. The areola surrounds the nipple at a 1 to 2 cm radius. Found in the areola are small elevated sebaceous glands, called Montgomery's glands. These glands secrete a protective lipid material during lactation. The areola of the nipple has smooth muscle fibers that cause nipple erection when stimulated. Both the nipple and areola are more darkly pigmented than the rest of the breast surface; the color varies from pink to brown depending on the person's skin color and parity. (Jarvis, 2004)
(Jarvis, Carolyn Jarvis. Physical Examination and Health Assessment, 4th Edition. Elsevier, 2003. 17.1.1).
The breast is often divided into four quadrants by imaginary horizontal and vertical lines that intersect at the nipple. This makes a convenient map to describe clinical findings. In the upper outer quadrant of the breast, the tail of Spence, you will find the cone-shaped breast tissue that projects up into the axilla and the pectoral group of axillary lymph nodes. Most breast tumors are found in the upper outer quadrant of the breast. (Jarvis, 2004)
(Jarvis, Carolyn Jarvis. Physical Examination and Health Assessment, 4th Edition. Elsevier, 2003. 17.1.2). | This activity will give you an opportunity to review your knowledge and understanding of the
Top of Form
Anatomy of the Breast
The External Surface Anatomy of the Breast
The female breast lies against the anterior thoracic wall, extending from the clavicle and the second rib down to the sixth rib, and from the side of the sternum across to the midaxillary line. The breasts lie anterior to the pectoralis major and serratus anterior muscles. The superior lateral portion of breast tissue projects upward and laterally into the axilla. This portion is called the Axillary tail of Spence.
The nipple is situated below the center of the breast. It is rough, round, and usually protuberant. Its surface appears wrinkled and indented with tiny milk duct openings. The areola surrounds the nipple at a 1 to 2 cm radius. Found in the areola are small elevated sebaceous glands, called Montgomery's glands. These glands secrete a protective lipid material during lactation. The areola of the nipple has smooth muscle fibers that cause nipple erection when stimulated. Both the nipple and areola are more darkly pigmented than the rest of the breast surface; the color varies from pink to brown depending on the person's skin color and parity. (Jarvis, 2004)
(Jarvis, Carolyn Jarvis. Physical Examination and Health Assessment, 4th Edition. Elsevier, 2003. 17.1.1).
The breast is often divided into four quadrants by imaginary horizontal and vertical lines that intersect at the nipple. This makes a convenient map to describe clinical findings. In the upper outer quadrant of the breast, the tail of Spence, you will find the cone-shaped breast tissue that projects up into the axilla and the pectoral group of axillary lymph nodes. Most breast tumors are found in the upper outer quadrant of the breast. (Jarvis, 2004)
(Jarvis, Carolyn Jarvis. Physical Examination and Health Assessment, 4th Edition. Elsevier, 2003. 17.1.2). | This activity will give you an opportunity to review your knowledge and understanding of the