STRUCTURE OF BREAST
SKIN
A conical projection called nipple present just below the center of the breast
A pigmented circular area around the nipple called areola.this region is rich with modified sebaceous gland. Below the areola lie lactiferous sinus where stored milk is seen.
PARENCHYMA
It is a compound tubule alveolar gland which secretes milk, consists of 15-20 lobes
STROMA
It forms the supporting frame work of the gland. it is partly fibrous and partly fatty, the fibrous part forms suspensory ligament of cooper
BLOOD SUPPLY
Mammary gland is extremely vascular it is supplied by following arteries
1.internal thoracic artery
2.lateral thoracic, superior thoracic and acromio thoracic branches of axillary artery
3.lateral branches of posterior intercostal artery.
VENOUS DRAINAGE
Superficial veins drain into internal thoracic vein
Deep veins drain into axillary and posterior intercostal veins
NERVE SUPPLY
Anterior and lateral cutaneous branches of 4th to 6th intercostal nerves
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
Lymph nodes
1.Axillary lymph nodes
2. internal mammary nodes
3. some lymph from breast do reach supra clavicular nodes , deltopectoral nodes , posterior intercostal nodes
Lymphatic vessels
Superficial lymphatics drain over breast except nipple and areola
SURGICAL ANATOMY
2 TYPES OF BREAST TISSUE
Glandular component
Its mainly for secretion from breast
Stroma
Its helps to give support to breast tissue
BREAST LYMPHATICS
2 Important groups
Axillary group of lymphatics – covers 75% as anterior,posterior and lateral groups
Internal mammary group of lymphatics covers 15-20%
Drainage of lymphatics
Axillary lymph node drain into central lymph node
Rotters lymph node
internal mammary group
above mentioned all lymphatics drains into apical group
NOTE: Sapeys plexus – nipple and areolar lymphatic drainage
