Mammary gland is supplied by –
**Question:** Mammary gland is supplied by -
A. Internal mammary artery
B. External mammary artery
C. Axillary artery
D. Supraclavicular artery
**Correct Answer:** B. External mammary artery
**Core Concept:**
The mammary gland is a vital organ in females that plays a crucial role in lactation. It is a branched ductal system that secretes milk into the nipple, allowing breastfeeding for the growth and development of infants. The mammary gland receives blood supply from various sources to ensure adequate nutrients, oxygen, and waste removal.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
The external mammary artery is a branch of the thoracoepigastric artery, which in turn arises from the thoracic branch of the internal mammary artery. The external mammary artery provides a rich blood supply to the mammary gland, ensuring adequate nourishment and waste removal.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. The internal mammary artery supplies blood to the chest wall and intercostal muscles, not the mammary gland.
B. The external mammary artery is the correct answer, as it supplies the mammary gland.
C. The axillary artery supplies blood to the axilla (armpit) region and not the mammary gland.
D. The supraclavicular artery supplies blood to the upper limb and shoulder region, not the mammary gland.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. The internal mammary artery supplies blood to the chest wall and intercostal muscles, not the mammary gland.
B. The external mammary artery is the correct answer, as it supplies the mammary gland.
C. The axillary artery supplies blood to the axilla (armpit) region and not the mammary gland.
D. The supraclavicular artery supplies blood to the upper limb and shoulder region, not the mammary gland.
**Clinical Pearls:**
1. Understanding the blood supply to the mammary gland is crucial for understanding breast surgery and breast-conserving procedures.
2. The external mammary artery is a critical anatomical landmark for breast surgeons while performing breast-conserving surgeries.
3. Adequate knowledge of regional lymphatic drainage from the breast can help in assessing the spread of breast cancer and planning appropriate treatment strategies.