Anatomy And
Physiology Of Female
Breast
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MAMMARY GLAND/THE BREAST
The breasts are large, modified sebaceous glands.
Bilateral
Extends from the 2nd
to 6th
rib in the
midclavicular line.
Lies in the subcutaneous tissue over the fascia
covering the pectorals major muscle.
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B
A
(A) Structure of the basic unit of the mammary
gland;. (B) Structure of adult female breast
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The endocrine control of lactation and preparation of
the breast for lactation divided into following stages:
1. Mammogenesis: Preparation of breast for function of
milk production/ lactation
2. Lactogenesis: Synthesis and secretion of milk by breast
alveoli
3. Galactokinesis: Ejection of milk to outside
4. Galactopoiesis: Maintenance of lactation. It is the act of
suckling and peak rising of Prolactin thus induces to
continue lactation.
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STRUCTURES (Non-lactating breasts):
The areola is placed at the center of the breast
and is pigmented.
It is about 2.5 cm in diameter.
The nipple is a muscular projection covered by
pigmented skin.
 It accommodates about 15–20 lactiferous ducts
and their openings.
 The whole breast is embedded in the
subcutaneous fat.
 The fat is, however, absent beneath the nipple
and areola
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Cont…
 Myoepithelial
cells and
dense network of
capillaries surrounding the alveoli contracts to
squeezes the alveoli and ejects the milk into the
larger duct(lactiferous)
Lactiferous duct dilates distally to form ampulla
where the milk is stored temporarily.
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Mammary Gland
Function:
Secrete milk, a fluid containing proteins, lipids,
and lactose as well as lymphocytes and
monocytes, antibodies, minerals, and fat-soluble
vitamins
Provide the proper nourishment for the
newborn.
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Colostrum
For the first 2 or 3 days after birth, a protein-rich thick
yellow fluid called colostrum is secreted.
Colostrum is a high-protein secretion, rich in vitamin A,
sodium, and chloride, also contains lymphocytes and
monocytes,
minerals,
lactalbumin,
and
antibodies
(immunoglobulin A) to provide nutrition and immunity to
the newborn
Milk, usually produced by the 4th day after birth,
is a fluid that contains minerals, electrolytes,
carbohydrates (including lactose), immunoglobulin
A, proteins (including caseins), and lipids.
Production of milk results from the stimuli of
sight, touch, handling of the newborn, and
anticipation of nursing, events that create a surge
in prolactin release.
Milk production stimulated by prolactin
Milk ejection stimulated by oxytocin
Stimulus of sucking triggers a neuro-endocrine milk ejection reflex with an increased
secretion of oxytocin and prolactin
Advantages of breast feeding
Acceleration of uterine involution
Provides post partum contraception
Provides nutrients and antibodies to the neonate.
Enhance mother to child bonding.
provides important protection against infection.
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