ABSTRACT
The breast is bounded by the clavicle superiorly, the sternum medially, the lateral border of the latissimus muscle laterally and the inframammary fold inferiorly. Fibrous bands known as suspensory ligaments of Cooper divide the breast parenchyma into 12-20 separate lobes of glandular tissue. Each lobe is formed by several groups of lobules. Each lobule is composed of grape-like clusters of acini known as alveoli, the hollow sacs that make and hold breast milk. The lobules are arranged around ducts that funnel milk to the nipples. About 15-20 ducts come together near the areola to form a distended cavity (ampullae) that stores the milk before it reaches the nipple surface. Montgomery’s glands are small sebaceous glands that are located around each areola. They release a lubricant that protects the nipples during nursing. Most of the lymphatic drainage from breast goes to axillary lymph nodes. Axillary lymph nodes are referred to by levels, which are deined by their relation to pectoralis minor muscle. Level 1 axillary nodes are lateral, level 2 nodes are behind and level 3 nodes are medial to the pectoralis minor muscle. The lymphatic drainage from medial part of the breast is also drained to internal mammary nodes. The arterial blood supplies to the breasts are from external mammary artery and perforators of the internal mammary artery. Venous drainage follows arterial blood supply.
