Anatomy &

Physiology of
Breast
 Breasts
• Remain in a halted stage of development until a rise in estrogen
at puberty produces a marked increase in their size.
• Size increase occurs mainly because of an increase of
connective tissue plus deposition of fat.
• Located between the third and seventh ribs of the anterior chest
wall and are supported by the pectoral muscles and superficial
fascia.
 Cooper ligaments
• Fibrous tissue ligaments
• Extend from the outer boundaries of the breast to the nipple
area in a radial manner, like the spokes on a wheel
• Support the breast and form septa that divide the breast into
about 20 lobes
 Milk glands
• Each lobe consists of
grapelike clusters—alveoli or
glands—that are
interconnected by ducts.
• All of the glands in each lobe
produce milk by acinar cells
and deliver it to the nipple via
a lactiferous duct.
 Route of Descent of Milk and Other Breast
Secretions
Alveoli Nipple

Duct Reservoir

Intralobar duct Lactiferous duct

 Nipple
• Has approximately 20 small openings through which milk is
secreted.
• Is composed of smooth muscle that is capable of erection on
manual or sucking stimulation.
• On stimulation, it transmits sensations to the posterior pituitary
gland to release oxytocin.
 Areola
• Skin surrounding the nipples is darkly pigmented out to
approximately 4 cm
• The area appears rough on the surface because it contains many
sebaceous glands, called Montgomery’s tubercles.
• Keep the nipple area soft and elastic
 Blood Supply
Supplied by:
• Thoracic branches of the axillary
• Internal mammary
• Intercostal arteries.
• Is important in bringing nutrients to the milk glands and makes
possible a plentiful supply of milk for breastfeeding.