Abstract:

Objective　To investigate the origin and distribution of the nerves to adult female nipples and areola area and provide guidance to clinical practice so that sensation around the nipple-areolar complex can be maximally preserved.　Method　Origin and distribution of nerves around the nipple-areolar complex on 15 side breast specimens from eight adult female bodies were,explore and traced with microsurgical instruments.　Result　Anterior and lateral cutaneous branches from the intercostal nerves formed a neural network in the nipple-areola complex. The nipple-areolar complex was innervated by anterior cutaneous branches from the 3rd and 4th intercostal nerve and the lateral cutaneous branches from the 4th and 5th intercostal nerve, with the lateral cutaneous branch from the 4th intercostal nerve innervating about 75% of the nipple-areolar complex. Conclusion　Innervation of Nipple-areolar complex have various sources with complementary property. When the 3rd or 5th intercostal nerve is damaged, the majority of the sensation of the nipple-areolar complex can be preserved.

Key words: Nipple-areolar complex, Innervation, Anatomy, Clinical application