What is the tail of Spence?

The tail of Spence (Spence’s tail, axillary process, axillary tail) has historically been described as an extension of the tissue of the upper lateral quadrant of the breast traveling into the axilla.

What is the importance of axillary tail?

A tail of breast tissue called the “axillary tail of Spence” extend into the underarm area. This is important because a breast cancer can develop in this axillary tail, even though it might not seem to be located within the actual breast.

What is considered the breast area?

The breast is the tissue overlying the chest (pectoral) muscles. Women’s breasts are made of specialized tissue that produces milk (glandular tissue) as well as fatty tissue. The amount of fat determines the size of the breast. The milk-producing part of the breast is organized into 15 to 20 sections, called lobes.

What is composition of breast?

Breasts are made up of lobules, ducts, and fatty and fibrous connective tissue. Lobules are the small glands that produce milk, while ducts are the tiny tubes that carry the milk from the lobules to the nipple. Together, the lobules and ducts are referred to as glandular tissue.

What are the purpose of breasts?

Each breast contains many glands and other structures that allow them to perform their functions. Namely, the primary biological function of the breast is to produce milk to feed infants. However, the breast can also be a symbol of femininity and play a role in sexual attraction and pleasure.

What is a axillary tail?

The axillary tail of Spence, variable in size, is a narrow part of the mammary gland that extends to the axilla. Breast tissue and lymph nodes can be found in the axillary tail region.

What does the axillary tail of Spence mean?

Widely quoted, “the axillary tail of Spence” refers to a contiguous extension of adipose angling superolaterally from the primary breast into the axilla. Described anecdotally in 1871, the “tail of Spence” has been considered important to the fields of general surgery, oncology, plastic surgery, and anatomy ever since.

Why do boys have nipples?

Men have nipples because embryos are always female in their early stages, and males only differentiate from the female prototype after a few weeks. Unfortunately the problem with these explanations wasn’t just their banality. They are merely accounts of how things happen, not actually why.