Which layer corresponds to the breast parenchyma lying with the superficial fascia and composed of epithelial and stromal tissue?

• A. Mammary zone
• B. Retromammary space
• C. Subcutaneous layer
• D. Skin

Answer: (A)

In breast anatomy, the glandular tissue that forms the functional part of the breast—the parenchyma composed of epithelial and stromal elements (ducts and lobules)—is called the mammary zone. This layer sits just deep to the superficial fascia and makes up the breast’s glandular tissue. The retromammary space lies posterior to it and contains loose connective tissue separating the gland from the pectoralis major; the subcutaneous layer is the superficial fat and connective tissue above the superficial fascia; the skin covers everything on the outside. So the mammary zone is the layer that corresponds to the breast parenchyma described.