Brystområdet

Brystområdet is the front part of the thorax, encompassing the chest wall and, in many individuals, the breasts. The area includes skin and subcutaneous tissue, the pectoral muscles, the sternum and ribs, and, where present, breast tissue with nipples and areola. The region plays a protective and functional role for the lungs and heart, while the breasts contribute to lactation and secondary sexual characteristics in many people.

External boundaries: superiorly by the clavicles, inferiorly roughly to the sixth or seventh rib along the midclavicular line, medially by the sternum, and laterally by the anterior axillary line. The underlying anatomy includes the pectoralis major and minor, intercostal muscles, and the thoracic skeleton.

Breast anatomy: In people with breasts, the glandular tissue comprises lobes and ducts, surrounded by fat and connective tissue. The nipple and areola sit on the surface, with a retromammary space separating the breast tissue from the pectoral muscles. The size and shape of breast tissue can vary widely between individuals and with age, hormonal status, and pregnancy.

Vascular, nerve, and lymphatic supply: Blood is supplied mainly by the internal thoracic (mammary) and lateral thoracic arteries, with perforating branches from intercostal arteries. Venous drainage parallels the arterial supply. Innervation is primarily via intercostal nerves; lymphatics drain to axillary lymph nodes and, to a lesser extent, parasternal nodes.

Clinical relevance: The brustområdet contains structures commonly assessed in medicine, including the breast and chest wall. Conditions may include chest wall injuries or musculoskeletal pain, breast diseases in people with breast tissue, and, separately, cardiac or pulmonary symptoms that may present in the same region. Variation by sex and age is common.