AN ANATOMICAL STUDY OF THE NERVE SUPPLY OF THE FEMALE BREAST

Objective:To investigate the origin,course and distribution of the nerves to the female breast. Methods:We dissect 13 specimens of 7 female cadavers,use magnification and tissue histology. Results:The breast received its innervation from the lateral and anterior cutaneous branches of the second to the sixth intercostal nerves.No supraclavicular nerve arrives to the breast,The cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerves pass through the superficial fascia and lie on the surface of gland in a tissue pland and “three-dimensional”distribute to the gland and skin.The nipple-areola complex is consistently supplied by the anterior and lateral cutaneous branches of the fourth intercostal nerve,which additional innervation by cutaneous branches of both the anterior and lateral cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerves.And there are a few nerves passing through the thickness of the breast tissue and running alongside the lactiferous ducts to supply the nipple. Conclusion:The breast and nipple-areola complex have a rich nerve supply.The nerves have variety. [