Nerves, ligaments, and vessels of the chest and breast

Abstract

Understanding of the anatomical structures of the breast allows better understanding of breast augmentation. The neurologic and vascular supply to the breast is described with the various fibrous and ligamentous structure. The suspensory circle has superficial extensions into the skin medially, caudally, and laterally, which define the extent and borders of the breast. The medial superficial ligament is rather weak. The firm lateral superficial ligament has a strong suspensory function by attaching to the axillary fascia along the midaxillary line. It produces the concavity of the armpit and thus corresponds to the suspensory ligament of the axilla. The vertical ligaments are guiding structures for main nerves and vessels. © 2009 Springer-Verlag.