Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 7, 2026

Changes in Mammary Gland Morphology and Breast Cancer Risk in Rats
Published on: October 16, 2010
The effects of mammary hypertrophy on the skeletal system
Women with mammary hypertrophy usually have a number of complaints relating to the skeletal system. Neck strain, headache, aching shoulders, heavy anterior chest, and paresthesias of the little fingers disappear after reduction mammaplasty. Low back pain is either completely eliminated or dramatically improved. Posture may or may not be corrected. It is suggested that muscle reeducation be instituted in patients who do not show spontaneous improvement. Deep brassiere strap furrows may vanish after a long postoperative period, or they may be permanent. In any case, they become asymptomatic. The effects of hypertrophic breast on the skeletal system are many and varied. A few such problems are illustrated. Many more exist.
Women with mammary hypertrophy usually have a number of complaints relating to the skeletal system. Neck strain, headache, aching shoulders, heavy anterior chest, and paresthesias of the little fingers disappear after reduction mammaplasty. Low back pain is either completely eliminated or dramatically improved. Posture may or may not be corrected. It is suggested that muscle reeducation be instituted in patients who do not show spontaneous improvement. Deep brassiere strap furrows may vanish after a long postoperative period, or they may be permanent. In any case, they become asymptomatic. The effects of hypertrophic breast on the skeletal system are many and varied. A few such problems are illustrated. Many more exist.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
The Mammary Glands
Each breast features a pigmented projection known as the nipple, through which milk emerges via closely spaced openings of ducts, referred to as lactiferous ducts. Surrounding the nipple is a circular pigmented area of skin named the areola, which appears rough due to...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cellular Adaptation II: Hypertrophy

