Mammary Gland: Miscellaneous | Medical Science Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Mammary Gland-Gross Anatomy

• Every breast forms a rounded prominence situated in the superficial fascia, predominantly in front of the upper thorax but extending laterally to varying degrees.
• In adult females, the lower boundary of the breast spans vertically from the second or third to the sixth rib, and horizontally from the sternal edge near the midline to almost the midaxillary line on the outer side.
• The breast is positioned above the deep pectoral fascia, which, in turn, overlays the pectoralis major and serratus anterior in the upper region and the external oblique with its aponeurosis in the lower region.

• The nipple protrudes prominently from the central region of the breast, typically aligning with the fourth intercostal space in most young women.
• The skin covering the nipple and the surrounding areola exhibits a textured surface with numerous sweat and sebaceous glands that directly open onto the skin. The oily secretion from these specialized sebaceous glands serves as a protective lubricant, aiding in the latch-on process for newborns during lactation.
• The breasts consist of lobes that house a network of glandular tissue comprising branching ducts and terminal secretory lobules embedded in a connective tissue stroma.
• Well-developed suspensory ligaments (known as the ligaments of Astley Cooper) are often present in the upper region of the breast, providing support to the breast tissue.

Mammary Gland-Blood supply

Blood supply

The mammary gland is highly vascularized, receiving blood from branches of the following arteries:

• Perforating branches of the internal thoracic artery, a subclavian artery branch.
• The axillary artery contributes through its branches, including the lateral thoracic, superior thoracic, and acromiothoracic (thoracoacromial) branches.
• Additionally, lateral branches of the posterior intercostal arteries supply the mammary gland.

Venous Supply

• The venous system mirrors the arterial pathways. Initially, the veins converge towards the nipple's base, creating an anastomotic venous circle. From there, veins travel in both superficial and deep sets.
• The superficial veins direct their drainage into the internal thoracic vein and the superficial veins of the lower neck.
• Meanwhile, the deep veins carry their drainage into the internal thoracic, axillary, and posterior intercostal veins.

Mammary Gland-Lymphatic Drainage

Mammary Gland - Repeats

• Describe the lymphatic drainage of Mammary Gland (Breast). Give an account of its applied anatomy (2006).
• Describe the blood supply, nerve supply and lymphatic drainage of the mammary gland (2009).