Female Physiology Final: Lactation and Breast

Breast cancer statistics

second most common after skin cancer, <1% in men, upper outer quadrant most common area, ducts most common anatomical part involved

Fibroadenoma

solid lump usually 30-35 years, usually painless

Milk Production After Childbirth

sucking acts as stimulus to hypothalamus PRF acts on pituitary ant. releases prolactin post. releases oxytocin

Modified radical mastectomy

surgical breast procedures- breast tissue, the nipple, and the lymph nodes in the armpit are removed. The muscles are left intact

lactiferous sinus

the expanded storage area that the ducts with the milk produced by the alveoli converge into as they approach the nipple. these open to the outside of the nipple

Breast cancer Risks

varies with age, family history for 5-10% cases, prior radiation in the chest, >15 types,

Sebaceous Gland

around nipple, secrete oils that keep it soft and supple

Milk Production Before Childbirth

colostrum forms 2nd trimester high in protein, vit A, antibodies low in fat

milk ejection

Due to oxytocin

Hyperplasia

Abnormal increase in number of cells

milk secretion

due to hormone prolactin

Papiloma

benign & from epithelial; finger-like projections

milk stasis

Breast milk retention causing uncomfortable breast fullness. Results in slower milk production

Simple or total mastectomy

entire breast removed including nipple and areola; no removal of lymph nodes or muscle tissue beneath breast

Lymphatic system

open system that connects with the circulatory system, immune

mastitis

- Infection of the breast connective tissue d/t bacterial invasion following trauma to nipple, common from breast feeding

Milk Composition

88% water, 1.2% protein, 4% fat, 7% lactose and maternal antibodies 1st 6 months baby lives off of IgA-in breast milk, survives babies gut and helps it fight infection Raw materials from blood and adipose tissue Composition affected by maternal diet

Adenoma

A benign epithelial tumor of glandular origin

lactose

A disaccharide that is the primary carbohydrate found in human milk.

Carcinoma

A malignant tumor that occurs in epithelial tissue

Lumpectomy

A surgical treatment for breast cancer in which only the lump and a small bit of surrounding tissue are removed. Also, 5-8 week radiation to treat remaining breast tissue

colostrum

A translucent yellow fluid rich in protein, antibodies and other substances to meet the needs of the newborn, produced in the breasts

areola

Circular pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple

myoepithelial cells

Contractile cells that surround the milk secreting alveoli creating the milk letdown

Prolactin releasing factor

Function: stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release prolactin

Prolactin inhibiting factor

Hormone that inhibits Prolactin Production. Targets the anterior pituitary to inhibit milk production at the mammary glands

Partial or Segmental mastectomy

cancerous area and a surrounding margin or normal tissue are removed and radiation therapy is given 6-8 weeks after

Breast cancer diagnosis

Self exam, clinical exam, mammography

mammary gland

Specialized organs in mammals that produce milk to nourish the young

Radical mastectomy

The entire breast is removed along w/axillary lymp nodes, the pectoral muscles, and all adjacent tissues.

lactiferous duct

Tubes that carry milk within the breast

Hormones Involved in Lactation

estrogen and progesterone prolaction releasing factor (hypothalamus) prolaction inhibiting factor (inhibits until ready to breast feed) prolaction (ant. pituitary) oxytocin (post. pituitary)

Milk Production During Pregnancy

estrogen and progesterone levels high prolactin levels increase PIF block action of prolactin at breast

Mammary Gland Growth and Development

estrogen-ductal growth, branching of lobes and suspensory ligaments, fat deposition progesterone-alveolar development

Nipple discharge when not pregnant/breastfeeding

high prolactin

Alveoli

hollow, lined with milk secreting cells

Lymph nodes

in underarm, axillary are the first place cancer is likely to spread

Fibrocystic breast

irregular nodular lumps and cysts, may be painful

Milk Production

milk secreting epithelial cells in alveoli milk moves from alveoli to lactiferous duct to lactiferous sinus to nipple