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Anatomy and physiology 

Anatomy and physiology
Chapter:
Anatomy and physiology
Author(s):

James Harvey

, Sue Down

, Rachel Bright-Thomas

, John Winstanley

, and Hugh Bishop

DOI:
10.1093/med/9780199215065.003.0004
Page of

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date: 19 September 2021

Anatomy and Physiology. The embryology, developmental changes and normal anatomy of the breast and axilla is described along with the common abnormalities seen as a result of developmental aberrations (accessory nipples and breast asymmetry) and the differences seen between the sexes. The blood and nerve supply of the breast and its lymphatic drainage are all clearly detailed with reference to clear pictures and diagrams. The distribution of cancers within the breast is also demonstrated along with the likely path of any nodal metastases including the relevance of the internal mammary chain. The anatomy of the axilla and axillary lymph nodes is described in detail along with a description of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) hypothesis and its importance in breast cancer staging.

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