Link to article: The Attachments of the Breast to the Chest Wall: A
Dissection Study
by Gaskin, Kathryn M.; Peoples, Gregory E.; McGhee, Deirdre
E.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery : July 2020 -
Volume 146 - Issue 1 - p 11-22e
Background:
The anatomical descriptions of the attachments of the female
breast to the chest wall vary in their structure, location, and terminology
within the published literature.
Methods:
A dissection study of the attachments of the breast to the
chest wall was conducted on 18 female embalmed breasts in the coronal (n =
15) and sagittal planes (n = 3).
Results:
Perimeter, posterior wall, and horizontal septum attachments
were observed. The perimeter along its entire length was attached to the chest
wall. Regional and anatomical variation was observed in this structure and
location. Sharp dissection was required to remove it from the chest wall, in
contrast to the blunt dissection required to remove the posterior wall and
horizontal septum attachments.
Conclusions:
The breast attaches to the chest wall along its entire
perimeter, posterior wall, and horizontal septum, with the perimeter
functioning as the primary anchor of the breast to the chest wall. The
structure of the perimeter attachment is both periosteal and fascial and
requires sharp dissection to remove it from the chest wall. The fascial
structures of the posterior wall and horizontal septum require blunt dissection
only. The structure of the perimeter has regional variation, and its location
on the chest wall has anatomical variation. Detailed anatomical descriptions
and illustrations are supported by photographic evidence of cadaver dissections
in two planes. Clinical and anatomical terminology are linked, with clinical
implications for medical anatomy education, breast modeling, and breast
surgery.
