This slide demonstrates the different structures that form the mammary gland.

Clinical Case

A young female consults you because of a lump she has noticed in her left breast during self-examination. Her maternal grandmother had died of breast cancer. Physical examination of the breasts reveals a hard nodule in the upper outer quadrant of the right breast. The nipple and areolae appear normal with no discharge. Although a mammogram is negative, you decide to refer her to a surgeon. The subsequent histopathological report reveals an extensive ductal carcinoma in situ. What are the ductuli lactiferi? How is the mammary gland classified? How are the mammary glands subdivided? Which epithelium lines the mammary alveoli? How would you recognise a mammary alveolar cell under the microscope? What are myoepithelial cells and where are they found? How would you distinguish histologically between lactating and non-lactating mammary tissue?

Microscopy

This is a low magnification of an inactive breast demonstrating the different structures. Fig 57-001

This is a higher magnification of an inactive breast demonstrating the glandular tissue. Fig 57-002

This is a low magnification of an active breast demonstrating the different structures. Fig 57-003

This is a very high magnification of the glandular alveoli of an active breast demonstrating the cells and tissue. Fig 57-004

This is a low magnification of an example of carcinoma confined to the ducts of the mammary gland. Fig Curran1208

This is a high magnification of an example of carcinoma confined to the ducts of the mammary gland. Fig Curran1209

Memorandum
Clinical case	Fig 57-001	Fig 57-002
	Fig 57-003	Fig 57-004