Breast Anatomy
Breast Anatomy 101
The breasts are, by definition, bilateral mammary glands and milk ducts surrounded by adipose (fat) tissue which is enveloped within the skin. The breasts normally extend vertically on the chest from under the collarbone at the second rib to the sixth rib and horizontally from the sternum (breast bone) to the midaxillary line (middle of the armpit). The breasts are situated directly over the pectoralis major (chest) muscle. The breast itself, however, contains no muscle tissue, which is why exercise will not increase the size or improve the shape of the breasts.
The form of the breast is affected by folds that provide gentle curvatures under and on both sides of the breasts. These folds are important landmarks during the process of planning and preparing for breast surgery. The fold under the breast is referred to as the inframammary fold. The fold on the outside of the breast is referred to as the lateral fold, and the fold on the inside of the breast is referred to as the medial fold.
The Role of Breast Skin
The quality of the skin that envelopes the breast tissue significantly influences the shape of the breasts. Even though breast skin contains elastic fibers, there is natural and hereditary variation in the amount of elasticity and thickness of each individual's breast skin, which affects the appearance of the breasts. Breast shape and appearance often change over time, as well as during pregnancy, rapid weight fluctuations, and after surgical breast procedures.
A Note on Symmetry
Few women naturally have completely balanced and symmetrical breasts – one side is often larger or smaller, higher or lower, or shaped differently than the other side. Breast asymmetry is normal and most women are unaware of it unless it is pointed out to them. Asymmetry may become more of a concern following breast surgery if an implant has shifted position or scarring has caused an imbalance.
With this overview of breast anatomy in mind, learn more about breast surgery revision and how complications following primary breast surgery can be corrected.
