From the Research
The external breast is a complex anatomical structure composed of glandular, fibrous, and adipose tissue, with a membrane-bound central structure referred to as the corpus mammae, surrounded by the superficial fatty Camper's fascia and the deeper membranous Scarpa's fascia. The breast tissue is organized into a specific pattern, with the glandular component constrained to the corpus mammae, and the fatty tissue derived from Camper's fascia 1. The breast is supported by suspensory ligaments, which represent the typical retinaculae cuti found throughout the human body wall, and attach to the anterior or posterior lamella of Scarpa's fascia, rather than directly to the skin 1.
The anatomy of the breast is crucial for understanding its function and clinical significance, particularly in relation to breast cancer staging and treatment. The breast receives blood supply from branches of the internal thoracic artery, lateral thoracic artery, and intercostal arteries, and lymphatic drainage is primarily to the axillary lymph nodes 2. The nipple-areola complex is a critical component of the breast, with the nipple containing numerous lactiferous ducts and the areola containing Montgomery's tubercles, which lubricate the nipple during breastfeeding 3.
Key features of the breast anatomy include:
- The corpus mammae, a membrane-bound central structure containing the glandular tissue
- The superficial fatty Camper's fascia and the deeper membranous Scarpa's fascia, which contribute to the structure of the breast
- The suspensory ligaments, which attach to the anterior or posterior lamella of Scarpa's fascia and support the breast
- The nipple-areola complex, which contains the lactiferous ducts and Montgomery's tubercles
- The blood supply and lymphatic drainage, which are critical for understanding breast function and clinical significance.
Overall, the anatomy of the breast is complex and multifaceted, and a thorough understanding of its structure and function is essential for clinical practice, particularly in the context of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment 1, 2.