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Embryology and Anatomy of the Breast

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Breast Augmentation

Abstract

The embryology of the breast shows that the ectoderm and the mesenchyme are responsible for the genesis of the male and female breast, with the ectoderm responsible for the formation of the ducts and alveoli and the mesenchyme responsible for the connective tissue and its vessels. The milk ridge develops in the ventral area of the body, and the pectoral part of the milk ridge produces the right and left mammary. Very little is known about the molecular mechanisms that initiate breast formation. The chronology of breast development is discussed through its developmental and differentiation phases. Developmental anomalies can occur, such as bilateral amastia, unilateral amastia, and bilateral amastia with congenital ectodermal defects, athelia, polythelia, polymastia, and breast asymmetry. The anatomy of the breast is described.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mercer University School of Medicine, 1462 Clifton Road, NE, Suite 303, 30322, Georgia, Atlanta, USA

    John E. Skandalakis

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  1. John E. Skandalakis
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Surgery Section, Tustin Hospital and Medical Center, 17501 Chatham Drive, 92780-2302, Tustin, CA, USA

    Melvin A. Shiffman

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© 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Skandalakis, J. (2009). Embryology and Anatomy of the Breast. In: Shiffman, M. (eds) Breast Augmentation. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-78948-2_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-78948-2_1

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-78947-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-78948-2

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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