Medial Artery (Mammary Gland)

Description

Centered within the female mammary gland, a prominent medial arterial trunk enters from the parasternal side and divides into smaller arterioles that course laterally through the fibrous stroma toward the lobules. Branches run in close association with the lactiferous duct system, supplying the glandular tissue as it converges toward the nipple and areola. Superficial adipose tissue surrounds the gland, while posteriorly the retromammary plane and underlying pectoralis major form the deep boundary. Medial breast perfusion matters clinically because it is dominated by perforators of the internal thoracic (internal mammary) artery, a key source of bleeding during biopsy, lumpectomy, and mastectomy along the parasternal margin. That same vascular territory also influences flap planning and reconstruction, including preservation or anastomosis of internal mammary vessels for free tissue transfer. Orientation is everything. Teaching and publication teams can use this plate to explain segmental blood supply alongside the ductal tree in gross anatomy, breast surgery, and radiology curricula, where it supports discussion of contrast enhancement patterns and surgical planes relative to gland, fat, and pectoral fascia. It also fits patient education materials that need an anatomically correct map of why medial lesions and parasternal incisions demand careful hemostasis. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.