Body of breast

The body of the breast refers to the main mass of the mammary gland, comprising the glandular, fibrous, and fatty tissue that forms the bulk of the breast structure. It is the central portion of the breast that lies between the skin and the chest wall, overlying the pectoralis major muscle and extending typically from the second to the sixth rib vertically, and from the sternal edge to the midaxillary line horizontally.

Key anatomical components of the breast body include:

• Glandular tissue (parenchyma): Composed of 15–20 lobes arranged radially around the nipple, each containing lobules that produce milk, connected by lactiferous ducts that converge at the nipple.

• Fibrous tissue (stroma): Cooper's ligaments (suspensory ligaments) provide structural support by connecting the breast parenchyma to the overlying skin and underlying pectoral fascia.

• Adipose tissue: Surrounds the glandular lobes and determines much of the breast's size and contour. The relative proportion of fat to glandular tissue varies with age, hormonal status, and body habitus.

The breast body is distinguished from the axillary tail (tail of Spence), which is a lateral extension of glandular tissue projecting toward the axilla. The body receives its blood supply primarily from the internal mammary (internal thoracic) artery, lateral thoracic artery, and intercostal perforators, with lymphatic drainage predominantly to the axillary lymph nodes.