Each breast has one of the following number of mammary lobes/sections -

Appeared in: UPPSC 2023

Explanation

The glandular tissue of each breast is organized into 15-20 distinct pyramidal lobes.
These lobes are compound tubuloalveolar glands, which are the functional units for milk production (lactation).
Each lobe is arranged radially around the nipple and drains into its own separate lactiferous duct, which carries milk to the exterior.

Option A: This range (5-10) significantly underestimates the number of lobes found in a typical human breast.
Option C: This range (25-30) overestimates the standard anatomical count of mammary lobes.
Option D: This range (21-25) is also an overestimation of the typical number of lobes in a human breast.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy of the mammary gland, specifically the number of lobes as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Knowledge of breast anatomy is critical for breast examinations and identifying abnormalities. Most breast cancers originate in the ducts (ductal carcinoma) or lobules (lobular carcinoma).
During lactation, a blocked lactiferous duct can lead to milk stasis and mastitis (inflammation/infection) within a single lobe. Nurses use this knowledge to assess breast quadrants and teach effective milk expression.
What if? If a patient presents with a palpable lump, knowing the lobular structure helps in understanding that the lump's location within a specific quadrant can correlate to a particular set of lobes, guiding diagnostic imaging and biopsy.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of basic anatomy.
First, identify the key anatomical structure mentioned in the question, which is 'mammary lobes' or 'sections' of the breast.
Next, recall the standard anatomical number for this structure from your studies.
Compare the recalled number (15-20) with the ranges provided in the options.
Finally, select the option that accurately reflects the correct number of mammary lobes.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qz0Hc_akL7ZV6bG7uQzVjS

E6 Histology Inderbir 11e p. 130-132

E6 Anatomy BDChaurasia V1 10e p. 48-50

Practise the full UPPSC 2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.