Anatomy and physiology of the breast

Abstract

The human breasts are paired mammary glands located on the anterior aspect of the thorax. They are more prominent in females after puberty and only rudimentary in males. This article will therefore focus primarily on the female breast, noting any issues of significance to the male breast as necessary. The article will cover the topographical anatomy including blood supply, the development of the breast, and the physiology of the breast in that order.