Anatomy and Physiology of the Breast

Abstract

The anatomy of the breast has been well documented. The adult breast is a fibroadipose organ that sits on the anterior upper thorax, extending from the second through the sixth rib and from the sternum to the anterior axillary line, with an axillary tail in the upper outer portion that can be palpated along the outer border of the pectoralis major muscle. It forms a secondary sexual characteristic of females, providing nutrition to their young, while it is rudimentary in males. It lies upon the deep pectoral fascia, overlying the pectoralis major and serratus anterior. The nipple protrudes from the center of the breast anteriorly, while the areola is the discoidal skin that encircles the nipple. The areolar surface appears rough because of the presence of large modified sweat glands called the glands of Montgomery, which are located beneath the skin and whose fatty secretions serve to lubricate the nipple.