Distribution of the Arteries of the Breast

Description

Arterial branches course through the subcutaneous tissue and glandular parenchyma of the female breast, radiating toward the nipple and areola in a pattern that mirrors the lobar organization. Perforating branches from the internal thoracic artery reach the medial breast, while lateral contributions from the lateral thoracic and thoracoacromial arteries enter from the axillary side, running deep to the skin and superficial to pectoralis major. Smaller intercostal arteries contribute from the inferior and posterior aspect near the inframammary fold, with arterioles forming a dense periareolar plexus. Venous companions may be indicated alongside the arterial tree, but the emphasis remains on arterial distribution within the integument and gland. Surgical planning depends on knowing which territories dominate. Medially based perforators from the internal thoracic system guide many reduction mammoplasty and oncoplastic pedicle designs, while lateral thoracic supply becomes a limiting factor when elevating skin flaps toward the axilla during mastectomy or sentinel node procedures. Ischemia declares itself first at the nipple. This vascular map also supports teaching about hematogenous spread and why certain quadrants demand careful hemostasis during core biopsy or excisional procedures. Breast anatomy and surgical courses use this plate to ground discussion of pedicle choice, incision placement, and expected bleeding planes in reduction, augmentation, and mastectomy. Medical publishers can pair it with chapters on the internal thoracic artery, axillary artery branches, and cutaneous circulation, or with patient education materials explaining bruising and healing patterns after breast surgery. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.