Cooper ligament
Stefano Pacifici et al.
Cooper ligaments are the fibrous connections between the inner side of the breast skin and the pectoral muscles. Working in conjunction with the fatty tissues and the more fibrous lobular tissues, they are largely responsible for maintaining the shape and configuration of the breast. They play a major role in preventing breast ptosis.
The superficial extension of these ligaments come to peaks attached to the skin, which anchor the body of the breast to subcutaneous tissues and are known as retinacula cutis.
History and etymology
These ligaments were first described by Astley Cooper in 1840.
Related Radiopaedia articles
Anatomy: Thoracic
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bronchopulmonary segmental anatomy (Boyden Classification) (mnemonic)
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bronchopulmonary segmental anatomy (Boyden Classification) (mnemonic)
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heart
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coronary arteries
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left main coronary artery (LMCA)
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pericardial recesses
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