Table 1.
Primary and accessory innervation of the nipple*
| Specimen | Side | ICN | Accessory ICN | No. of branches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | L | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| 2 | L | 4 | 5 | 3 |
| 3 | R | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| 4 | R | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 5 | L | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| 6 | R | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| 7† | R | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| 8† | L | 4 | 5 | 3 |
| 9 | L | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| 10 | R | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| 11† | L | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| 12† | R | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| 13 | L | 3 | 5 | 5 |
| 14 | R | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| 15 | L | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| 16 | R | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| 17 | R | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| 18† | L | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| 19† | R | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 20 | L | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| 21† | L | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| 22† | R | 4 | 5 | 3 |
*Specimen data for 22 dissections equally distributed between the left and right sides. Eighteen of 22 dissections showed primary innervation from the fourth ICN. Accessory innervation came from ICN 3 to 5. The primary nerves have 3 to 5 branches to supply the nipple.
†Indicates macromastia.
ICN indicates intercostal nerve; L, left; R, right.