THE BREAST AND AXILLA 



27 



When the infection passes to the pectoral plexus, it gives 

 rise to an abscess behind the breast (retro-mammary abscess). 

 This variety more commonly arises from a deeper cause, such 



Connections with pectoral plexus of opposite side 



Internal mammary glands 

 Deep cervical glands, postero-inferior group [ 



Pectoralis major, clavicular part I 

 Pectoralis major, costo-sternal part 

 Apical glands i 

 Superficial infra-clavicular glands ; 



Central axillary glands 



Latissimus dorsi 



Serratus anterior - 

 External oblique 



Connections with sub-peritoneal lymph plexus 



FIG. 8. The Connections of the Pectoral Lymphatic Plexus. The lymph 

 vessels and glands which lie deep to the muscles are indicated by the 

 clotted lines and circles. 



as empysema, tuberculous disease of a rib, etc., and it tends to 

 push the breast and the pectoralis major forwards ; after 

 perforating the latter, the abscess may point in the areola or 

 gravitate towards the infra-mammary groove. 



Incisions for the pre- and intra-mammary abscesses radiate 



