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Lobules of Mammary Gland (Superior Lateral Quadrant; Right)
Integument

Lobules of Mammary Gland (Superior Lateral Quadrant; Right)

Lobuli glandulae mammariae

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Structure/Morphology

The mammary glands are comprised of 15–20 lobes radiating from the nipple. Each lobe is surrounded by adipose and dense fibrous tissue that arises from the superficial fascia of the thoracic wall.

Each lobe contains 20–40 terminal lobules that form the functional units of the breast. Lobules are formed by clusters of alveoli that are responsible for the production of milk. A network of lactiferous ducts connects the lobules to the nipple for the secretion of milk to the infant (Ovalle, Nahirney and Netter, 2013).

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Lobules of Mammary Gland (Superior Lateral Quadrant; Right)

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Function

The lobes of the mammary glands house the lobules, which are responsible for the production of milk.

List of Clinical Correlates

- Cystic mastitis

- Breast cancer

- Fibroadenoma

References

Ovalle, W. K., Nahirney, P. C. and Netter, F. H. (2013) Netter's Essential Histology. ClinicalKey 2012: Elsevier Saunders.

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