Breast
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Introduction
Anatomy
courtesy of Patrick Lynch
1: chest wall
2: pectoralis muscles
3: lobules
4: nipple
5: areola
6: lactiferous duct
7: fat
8: skin
The breast has between 4-18 ducts.
Blood supply to the breast is via the internal thoracic artery, lateral thoracic artery, thoracoacromial artery, and posterior intercostal arteries.
Lymph drains predominantly to the axillary lymph nodes
Lactation
Lactation is an important function of life. It provides the infant with the ideal source of nutrition, hydration, and protection during the first months or years.
Prolactin is an important signal for milk production, while oxytocin, which is also responsible for uterine contractions during birth, causes milk release.
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