Female Breast Anatomy

The female breasts are a specialised, bilateral organ. They are more prominent in size and function in females than males. Containing mammary glands, the female breasts are responsible for producing milk and nutrients for infants. 

Breasts are located on the anterior thoracic wall, overlying the pectoral muscles. The outer region is often referred to as the breast while the inner region is often referred to as the mammary gland.

The breast is composed of two major regions: the axillary tail (also known as the tail of Spence and the circular body. The axillary tail is the region that extends into the axilla (armpit area). The circular body is the prominent, central region of the breast and it can be divided into four quadrants consisting of: the upper outer, upper inner, lower outer and lower inner breast.

The areola is central pigmented disc found in the centre of the breast. Within the areola are numerous sebaceous glands and the nipple projecting from the centre. The sebaceous glands (also referred to as Montgomery glands or Montgomery tubercles) are small, oil producing glands that appear as small bumps on the areola. Their primary function is to lubricate and protect the skin. The nipple delivers milk through the ducts that are connected to the mammary glands.

To help you gain a thorough understanding of breast anatomy, our range of anatomical posters offers clear and informative visuals. These charts accurately display both the surface structure and internal layers of the breast, including the lymphatic system, blood supply, and mammary glands. Whether you're studying for a medical qualification, teaching anatomy, or explaining complex concepts to patients, these posters provide an excellent visual companion for effective learning.

The inner two layers of the breast include the parenchyma and stroma.

The parenchymal tissues are made up of branching ducts and 15-20 terminal secretory lobules which drain through the lactiferous duct, which join at the lactiferous sinuses and exit through the pores of the nipple.

The stroma works as the supporting framework surrounding the parenchyma. This can be broken down into the fibrous stroma and the fatty stroma. The fibrous stroma forms the suspensory ligaments (also known as the ligaments of Cooper). The suspensory ligaments surround the skin of the breast and the pectoral fascia and maintain the healthy shape of the breasts. A large portion of the mammary gland is made up of fat, or fatty stroma, although the nipple and areola have no fat. 

The lymphatic system is an integral part of the body’s immune system, protecting us from disease and infection. Lymph nodes are clusters of immune cells that work like filters in our body. The lymphatic system in the breasts have great clinical significance due to the metastasis of breast cancer cells. 

The lymphatic system of the breasts can be broken into three different groups: the axillary nodes, the parasternal nodes and the posterior intercostal nodes, all of which drain and filter fluid away from the breast area. 

Our detailed anatomical breast models offer a three-dimensional perspective that aids in understanding the anatomy and structure. Ideal for students, tutors, and healthcare professionals alike, these models are particularly useful for exploring breast structure, or teaching breast self examination. A must-have for hands-on learning and demonstration in educational or clinical settings.

Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to tissues of your body. Blood supply to the breast branches from the axillary artery, the internal thoracic artery and the second, third and fourth anterior intercostal arteries. The superior thoracic, thoracoacromial artery, lateral thoracic artery and subscapular artery branch off from the axillary artery. The internal thoracic artery provides perforating branches to the anteromedial region of the breast and the peripheral arteries of the second through fourth anterior intercostal arteries supply the nipple and areola.

Veins return deoxygenated blood towards your heart. The blood supply of the breasts is drained into the axillary, internal thoracic, and second through fourth intercostal veins. 

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast begin to grow and divide uncontrollably and eventually form a growth (tumour). It starts in the breast tissue, commonly in the cells lining the breast’s milk ducts.

It’s important to check your breasts regularly, attend regular screening where applicable and always get changes checked out with a health professional.

• Stand in front of a mirror and look for any changes to the appearance of the breasts.
• Then raise your arms, looking at both breasts for changes. Rashes, colour changes, and size or shape changes all need to be inspected.
• Feel both breasts (one at a time) with your fingers held flat, using a circular motion to thoroughly examine all of your breasts for lumps, dips, or any changes. Feel the breasts lying down on your back, then again while standing upright with your arm held up.
• Look and feel the nipple for inversion (turned inward) discharge or bleeding.

Any changes to the look or feel of the breasts should always be checked out with your GP.

Understanding anatomy can be far more effective with high quality visual tools. Our range of anatomical models, posters and revision guides allow students and professionals to deepen their understanding through visual and tactile learning. Whether you're preparing for an exam, teaching a class, or working in a clinical setting, our resources provide a practical and engaging way to study human anatomy.