Histology of the breast Flashcards Preview

Repro and Sexual Health > Histology of the breast > Flashcards

Flashcards in Histology of the breast Deck (24)
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1
Q

Where is the breast found?

A

Subcutaneously

2
Q

What makes up the secretory tissue of the breast?

A

15-25 lobules

Each consist of a compound tubulo-acinar gland which drains via a series of ducts leading to the nipple

3
Q

What is found adjacent to the secretory lobules?

A

Dense fibrous tissue

Adipose tissue

4
Q

What are the suspensory ligaments of the breast?

A

Larger areas of connective tissue that extend from dermis of skin to the deep fascia overlying the muscle of the anterior chest wall

5
Q

What is the function of the suspensory ligaments of the breast?

A

Support breast tissue

Found predominantly in the upper breast tissue

6
Q

What is the basic functional secretory unit of the breast?

A

Terminal Duct Lobular Unit (TDLU)

7
Q

Where will terminal ductules lead to in a non-lactating breast?

A

Intralobular collecting duct which leads into the lactiferous duct for that lobe

8
Q

What does the lactiferous duct turn into when it reaches the nipple?

A

Lactiferous sinus

9
Q

What does the lobule of the breast exhibit?

A

Extralobular and intralobular ducts
Rudimentary secretory acini
Dense fibrocollagenous connective tissue surrounding lobule
Looser connective tissue surrounding acini within lobule
Adipose tissue between lobules

10
Q

What type of epithelium lines the acini?

A

Secretory epithelial cells; vary from cuboidal to columnar

11
Q

What surrounds the secretory cells of the acinus in the breast?

A
Myoepithelial cells (MEp) 
Contractile cells which are surrounded by basal lamina
12
Q

What type of epithelium lines the lactiferous ducts?

A

Epithelium that varies from thin stratified squamous to stratified cuboidal

13
Q

What type of epithelium covers the nipple

A

Highly pigmented keratinized stratified squamous epithelium

14
Q

What makes up the core of f the nipple?

A

Dense irregular connective tissue mixed with bundles of smooth muscle

15
Q

What is interesting about the sebaceous glands of the nipple?

A

Open directly onto the surface of the nipple

16
Q

How does the breast change in the menstrual cycle?

A

Luteal phase; epithelial cells increase in height, lumina of duct is enlarged and small amounts of secretions appear in duct

17
Q

How does the breast tissue change in the 1st trim?

A

Elongation and branching of epithelial cells of glands and myoepithelial cells

18
Q

How does the breast tissue change in 2nd trim?

A
Glandular tissue continues to develop with differentiation of secretory alveoli 
Plasma cells (IgA) and lymphocytes infiltrate local connective tissue
19
Q

How does the breast tissue change in the 3rd trim?

A

Secretory alveoli continue to mature with development of extensive RER

20
Q

What is the action of oestrogen and progesterone in the lactating mammary gland?

A

Stimulate proliferation of secretory tissue and fibro-fatty tissue becomes sparse

21
Q

What is the composition of human milk?

A
88% water
1.5% protein (lactalbumin and casein) 
7% carbohydrate (lactose) 
3.5% lipid 
Ions
Vitamins
IgA Ab
22
Q

How are fat droplets secreted by the breast?

A

Secreted surrounded by membrane carrying a small amount of cytoplasm with it
APOCRINE secretion

23
Q

How are the proteins in breast milk secreted by the breast?

A

Protein made in RER and packaged in golgi apparatus
Secreted via vesicles which merge with apical membrane to release contents into ductal system
MEROCRINE secretion

24
Q

What happens to breast tissue post menopause?

A

Secretory cells of TDLUs degenerate leaving only ducts

In connective tissue, fewer fibroblasts and reduced collagen and elastic fibres

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