Breast Anatomy
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Chapter: 2 - Breast Anatomy
Subchapter: 1 - Breast Anatomy
Anatomy & Functions
Throughout these videos, as you learn about breast cancer, we will repeatedly reference the anatomy of the breast. Understanding the different parts and functions will help you better grasp the details of breast cancer.
Adipose Tissue
The female breast is mostly made up of a collection of fat cells called adipose tissue. This tissue extends from the collarbone down to the underarm and across to the middle of the ribcage.
Lobes, Lobules, and Milk Ducts
There are also areas called lobes, lobules, and milk ducts. A healthy female breast is made up of 12–20 sections called lobes. Each of these lobes is made up of many smaller lobules, the gland that produces milk in nursing women. Both the lobes and lobules are connected by milk ducts, which act as stems or tubes to carry the milk to the nipple.
Lymph System
Also within the adipose tissue, is a network of ligaments, fibrous connective tissue, nerves, lymph vessels, lymph nodes, and blood vessels.
The lymph system, which is part of the immune system, is a network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes running throughout the entire body. Similar to how the blood circulatory system distributes elements throughout the body, the lymph system transports disease-fighting cells and fluids. Clusters of bean-shaped lymph nodes are fixed in areas throughout the lymph system; they act as filters by carrying abnormal cells away from healthy tissue.
In this chapter we looked at the anatomy of the breast, focusing on the milk ducts, lobes, lobules, lymph system, and lymph nodes.
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Sub Chapters
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Breast Anatomy 02:03
Related Questions
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I found a lump and it's about 5cm long I did a mammogram and a ultraasound today now I have to wait for the results. What are my chances since its that big?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 5 answers
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anonymous
Survivor since 2007
Usually, at the ultrasound they tell you if they want to schedule you for a biopsy. Did they mention anything like that? Breasts are lumpy. The majority of lumps and bumps are benign. You could have fibrocystic breasts, or a cyst that happen due to hormonal changes. Did they tell you how long...
Comment 0Usually, at the ultrasound they tell you if they want to schedule you for a biopsy. Did they mention anything like that? Breasts are lumpy. The majority of lumps and bumps are benign. You could have fibrocystic breasts, or a cyst that happen due to hormonal changes. Did they tell you how long you have to wait? If it were me, I would call the office tomorrow and ask what was the diagnosis. Even if you have to have a biopsy, again, keep in mind, most of these turn out benign as well. Doctor's want to error on the side of caution. I will share with you, when I found a lump in my breast, and the doctor did the ultrasound and biopsy, she TOLD me right there that this was probably going to turn out to be cancer and she was right. Call the office tomorrow and see if they will tell you what they have found. Take care, Sharon
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Sometimes there is a much bigger lumps but a begnign ,, dont worry :)
Comment 0
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What is the youngest age you can get breast cancer? And who wants to join my parade just email juliabrookebiggs@gmail.com.?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer -
I'm 23 year old. I have a lump in the upper outer quadrant of my right breast. I had it biopsied 5 months before... it's stage 2. I sometimes feel pain in that area not very often. Does it mean it has metastasized??
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 6 answers
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
GET TREATMENT RIGHT AWAY!!!!!!!!
1 comment 2 -
anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
I would ask your doctor to be sure nothing has changed. Have you had surgery, chemo or radiation?
5 comments 2
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Beyond The Shock is a comprehensive online guide to understanding breast cancer.
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