MAMMARY GLAND anatomy introduction.pptx

Slides of anatomy

1. INTRODUCTION The breast (mammary gland) is a modified apocrine sweat gland present in the superficial fascia of the pectoral region. The breast is found in both male and female. However, it remains rudimentary in male throughout life but develops well in female at puberty and takes the shape of a hemispherical bulge. In females, it forms an accessory sex organ of the female reproductive system and provides milk to the newborn baby. Primary purpose of breasts in female is to nourish infants.

2. LOCATION The breast is located in the superficial fascia of the pectoral region. A small extension of breast tissue from its superolateral part ie - Axillary Tail of Spence, pierces the deep fascia and extends into the axilla. The aperture in the deep fascia through which axillary tail passes into the axilla is called the Foramen of Langer. EXTENT Vertically – Extends from 2 nd to 6 th ribs Horizontally – Extends from the lateral border of sternum to mid-axillary line

3. RELATIONS The Breast is related to the following structures from superficial to deep as – Pectoral Fascia – Deep fascia covering the anterior aspect of the Pectoralis Major 3 Muscles – Pectoralis Major, Serratus anterior and External Oblique muscle of the abdomen Note on RETROMAMMARY SPACE – The Breast is separated from the pectoral fascia by loose areolar tissue called Retromammary space. Because of this, the normal breast can moved freely over the Pectoralis Major