The Attachments of the Breast to the Chest Wall: A Dissection Study

Background: The anatomical descriptions of the attachments of the female breast to the chest wall vary in their structure, location, and terminology within the published literature. Methods: A dissection study of the attachments of the breast to the chest wall was conducted on 18 female embalmed breasts in the coronal (n = 15) and sagittal planes (n = 3). Results: Perimeter, posterior wall, and horizontal septum attachments were observed. The perimeter along its entire length was attached to the chest wall. Regional and anatomical variation was observed in this structure and location. Sharp dissection was required to remove it from the chest wall, in contrast to the blunt dissection required to remove the posterior wall and horizontal septum attachments. Conclusions: The breast attaches to the chest wall along its entire perimeter, posterior wall, and horizontal septum, with the perimeter functioning as the primary anchor of the breast to the chest wall. The structure of the perimeter attachment is both periosteal and fascial and requires sharp dissection to remove it from the chest wall. The fascial structures of the posterior wall and horizontal septum require blunt dissection only. The structure of the perimeter has regional variation, and its location on the chest wall has anatomical variation. Detailed anatomical descriptions and illustrations are supported by photographic evidence of cadaver dissections in two planes. Clinical and anatomical terminology are linked, with clinical implications for medical anatomy education, breast modeling, and breast surgery.