Lymphatics of the Body - Listed Alphabetically | |||||
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Structure | Location | Afferents from | Efferents to | Regions drained | Notes |
accessory nodes | posterior triangle of the neck, arranged along the accessory n. | occipital nodes, retroauricular nodes | transverse cervical chain of nodes | occipital region and posterior scalp | accessory nodes also collect lymph from the nape of the neck and the region overlying the supraspinatous fossa |
anterior auricular nodes | subcutaneous connective tissue anterior to the ear | lymphatic vessels from the side of the head | superior parotid nodes; superior deep cervical nodes | anterior part of the parietal region of the scalp; anterior surface of the ear and external acoustic meatus | anterior auricular nodes are 1 or 2 in number |
anterior jugular nodes | along the anterior jugular vein | lymphatic vessels from the anterior inferior part of the neck | inferior deep cervical nodes | skin and mm. of the anterior infrahyoid region of the neck | anterior jugular nodes are located between the superficial layer of deep cervical fascia and the infrahyoid mm. |
anterior mediastinal nodes | along the course of the brachiocephalic vessels and aorta | lymphatic vessels from the anterior mediastinum and middle mediastinum | bronchomediastinal trunk | thymus, anterior respiratory diaphragm, pericardium, part of the heart | anterior mediastinal nodes are from 2 to 5 in number |
apical axillary nodes | apex of the axilla | lateral axillary nodes; central axillary nodes; subscapular axillary nodes; pectoral nodes; accessory lymphatic vessels from the mammary gland; lymphatic vessels accompanying the cephalic v. | subclavian lymphatic trunk; deep cervical lymph nodes | upper limb, most of the mammary gland, some of the anterolateral chest wall, posterior thoracic wall and scapular region | apical axillary nodes are 6- 12 in number; this is the highest node group in the axilla and all other node groups drain through these nodes; a very important group of nodes in cases of metastatic spread of breast cancer; connections to deep cervical nodes may result in spread of breast cancer through the deep neck |
auricular nodes, anterior | subcutaneous connective tissue anterior to the ear | lymphatic vessels from the side of the head | superior parotid nodes; superior deep cervical nodes | anterior part of the parietal region of the scalp; anterior surface of the ear and external acoustic meatus | anterior auricular nodes are 1 or 2 in number |
axillary nodes | axilla | cubital nodes; lymphatic vessels from the upper limb, thoracic wall and subscapular region | efferents vessels form the subclavian trunk, some drainage to inferior deep cervical nodes | upper limb, most of the mammary gland, some of the anterolateral chest wall, posterior thoracic wall and scapular region | axillary nodes number from 20 to 30 and are organized in five groups based on their position within the axilla: 1) pectoral nodes, along the lateral border of the pectoralis major m.; 2) lateral nodes, located along the distal axillary v.; 3) central nodes, centrally located along axillary v.; 4) subscapular nodes, located along the subscapular v. and its tributaries; 5) apical nodes, located at the apex of axilla |
axillary nodes, apical | apex of the axilla | lateral axillary nodes; central axillary nodes; subscapular axillary nodes; pectoral nodes; accessory lymphatic vessels from the mammary gland; lymphatic vessels accompanying the cephalic v. | subclavian lymphatic trunk; deep cervical lymph nodes | upper limb, most of the mammary gland, some of the anterolateral chest wall, posterior thoracic wall and scapular region | apical axillary nodes are 6- 12 in number; this is the highest node group in the axilla and all other node groups drain through these nodes; a very important group of nodes in cases of metastatic spread of breast cancer; connections to deep cervical nodes may result in spread of breast cancer through the deep neck |
axillary nodes, central | in the fat of the axilla | lateral axillary nodes; pectoral nodes; subscapular nodes; lymphatic vessels from the mammary gland and upper limb | apical axillary nodes | upper limb, most of the mammary gland, some of the anterolateral chest wall, posterior thoracic wall and scapular region | central axillary nodes are 4 or 5 in number; they are involved in cancer of the mammary gland |
axillary nodes, lateral | along the distal axillary v. | cubital nodes; lymphatic vessels of the arm | central axillary nodes, apical axillary nodes | upper limb | lateral axillary nodes become inflamed during upper limb infections; also known as: brachial nodes |
axillary nodes, subscapular | along the course of the subscapular vessels | lymphatic vessels from the skin of the back and back of the neck; lymphatic vessels from the muscles of the scapular region | central axillary nodes | skin of the back and back of the neck; muscles of the scapular and subscapular regions | subscapular axillary nodes are 5 or 6 in number; also known as: posterior axillary nodes |
bronchomediastinal trunk | along the course of the brachiocephalic v. | union of efferents from the paratracheal nodes, parasternal nodes and anterior mediastinal nodes | left: thoracic duct; right: right lymphatic duct | thoracic wall and viscera; medial part of the mammary gland | right bronchomediastinal trunk receives lymph from the lower lobe of the left lung; bronchomediastinal trunk may drain directly into the venous system on either side |
bronchopulmonary nodes | hilum of the lung | pulmonary nodes | tracheobronchial nodes | lung | bronchopulmonary nodes are also known as: hilar nodes |
celiac nodes | around the celiac trunk | hepatic nodes, gastric nodes, pancreaticosplenic nodes | intestinal lymph trunk | liver, gall bladder, stomach, spleen, pancreas | celiac nodes are from 3 to 6 in number |
central axillary nodes | in the fat of the axilla | lateral axillary nodes; pectoral nodes; subscapular nodes; lymphatic vessels from the mammary gland and upper limb | apical axillary nodes | upper limb, most of the mammary gland, some of the anterolateral chest wall, posterior thoracic wall and scapular region | central axillary nodes are 4 or 5 in number; they are involved in cancer of the mammary gland |
cervical nodes, deep | in and around carotid sheath posterior and lateral to the internal jugular v. | lymphatic vessels and numerous node groups from the head and neck | jugular trunk | head and neck | superior and inferior subdivisions of deep cervical nodes are delineated by the crossing of the omohyoid m. |
cisterna chyli | between the abdominal aorta and the inferior vena cava anterior to the body of the L1 or L2 vertebra | right and & left lumbar trunks; possibly the intestinal trunk | thoracic duct | all of the body below the respiratory diaphragm; all of the abdominal and pelvic viscera | cisterna chyli is an enlargement of the lower end of the thoracic duct; it occurs in about 25% of individuals |
colic nodes, middle | along the course of the middle colic vessels | peripheral nodes located along the attachment of the mesentery | superior mesenteric nodes | transverse colon | middle colic nodes are approximately 40 in number |
colic nodes, right | along the course of the right colic vessels | peripheral nodes located along the marginal a. | superior mesenteric nodes | ascending colon, cecum | right colic nodes are approximately 70 in number |
common iliac nodes | along the common iliac vessels; over the sacral promontory | external iliac nodes, internal iliac nodes | lumbar (lateral aortic) chain of nodes | lower limb; pelvic organs, perineum, lower part of the anterior abdominal wall | common iliac nodes are approximately 6 in number |
cubital nodes | cubital fossa of the upper limb | lymphatic vessels from the forearm | lateral axillary nodes | deep tissues of the forearm and hand | cubital nodes small and are 5 or 6 in number |
cystic node | near the neck of the gall bladder | lymphatic vessels of the gall bladder | hepatic nodes | gall bladder | cystic node drains to the node of the omental foramen, then to hepatic nodes |
deep cervical nodes | in and around carotid sheath posterior and lateral to the internal jugular v. | lymphatic vessels and numerous node groups from the head and neck | jugular trunk | head and neck | superior and inferior subdivisions of deep cervical nodes are delineated by the crossing of the omohyoid m. |
deep cervical nodes, inferior | around the internal jugular v., inferior to the crossing of the omohyoid m. | superior deep cervical nodes; numerous node groups of the neck | jugular trunk | head and neck | inferior deep cervical nodes are in direct continuity with the superior deep cervical chain of nodes |
deep cervical nodes, superior | around the internal jugular v., superior to the crossing of the omohyoid m. | numerous node groups of the head and upper neck, including retropharyngeal nodes and deep parotid nodes | inferior deep cervical nodes | head and the superior part of the neck | the superior deep cervical node group has many large nodes; the jugulodigastric and juguloomohyoid nodes are members of this group |
deep inguinal nodes | along the medial side of the femoral v. deep to the fascia lata and inguinal ligament | superficial inguinal nodes, popliteal nodes | external iliac nodes | lower limb, external genitalia, lower part of the anterior abdominal wall | the deep inguinal node in the femoral canal is called the node (or gland) of Cloquet |
deep parotid nodes | on the lateral side of the pharyngeal wall, deep to the parotid gland | lymphatic vessels from the ear | superior deep cervical nodes | external acoustic meatus, auditory tube, middle ear | deep parotid nodes are part of the deep cervical chain of nodes |
external iliac nodes | along the external iliac vessels | superficial inguinal nodes; deep inguinal nodes; inferior epigastric nodes | common iliac nodes | lower limb; external genitalia; lower part of the anterior abdominal wall | external iliac nodes are 8 to 10 in number |
external jugular nodes | along the external jugular v. | lymphatic vessels from the side of the head | superior deep cervical nodes | inferior part of the ear and the parotid region | there are one or two nodes in this group |
facial nodes | along the course of the facial a. and v. | lymphatic vessels from the face | submandibular nodes | eyelids, nose, cheek and lips | facial nodes are grouped inferior to the orbit; at the angle of the mouth and over the mandible |
gastric nodes, left | on the lesser curvature of the stomach, along the course of the left gastric vessels | lymphatic vessels from the lesser curvature of the stomach | celiac nodes | lesser curvature of the stomach | left gastric nodes are 10 to 20 in number |
gastric nodes, right | on the lesser curvature of the stomach, along the course of the right gastric vessels | lymphatic vessels from the lesser curvature of the stomach | celiac nodes | lesser curvature of the stomach | right gastric nodes are 2 to 3 in number |
gastro-omental nodes, left | on the greater curvature of the stomach, along the left gastro-omental vessels | lymphatic vessels from the greater curvature of the stomach | splenic nodes | left half of the greater curvature of the stomach | left gastro-omental nodes are 1 or 2 in number |
gastro-omental nodes, right | on the greater curvature of the stomach, along the right gastro-omental vessels | lymphatic vessels from the greater curvature of the stomach | pyloric nodes | greater curvature of the stomach | right gastro-omental nodes are 6 to 12 in number |
hepatic nodes | along the course of the common hepatic a. | right gastric nodes, pyloric nodes | celiac nodes | liver and gall bladder; extrahepatic biliary apparatus; respiratory diaphragm; head of pancreas and duodenum | hepatic nodes drain a portion of the respiratory diaphragm because of the common embryonic origin of the diaphragm and the liver (septum transversum) |
hilar nodes | at hilum of lung | pulmonary nodes | tracheobronchial nodes | lung | also known as: bronchopulmonary nodes |
ileocolic nodes | along the origin and terminal end of the ileocolic vessels | peripheral nodes located along the attachment of the mesentery | superior mesenteric nodes | ileum, cecum, appendix | ileocolic nodes located near the ileocecal junction may be divided into two subsidiary groups: cecal nodes and appendicular nodes |
iliac nodes, common | along the common iliac vessels; over the sacral promontory | external iliac nodes, internal iliac nodes | lumbar (lateral aortic) chain of nodes | lower limb; pelvic organs, perineum, lower part of the anterior abdominal wall | common iliac nodes are approximately 6 in number |
iliac nodes, external | along the external iliac vessels | superficial inguinal nodes; deep inguinal nodes; inferior epigastric nodes | common iliac nodes | lower limb; external genitalia; lower part of the anterior abdominal wall | external iliac nodes are 8 to 10 in number |
iliac nodes, internal | along the internal iliac vessels | lymphatic vessels from the pelvic viscera | common iliac nodes, external iliac nodes | pelvis, perineum and gluteal region | internal iliac nodes are 4 to 8 in number |
inferior deep cervical nodes | around the internal jugular v., inferior to the crossing of the omohyoid m. | superior deep cervical nodes; numerous node groups of the neck | jugular trunk | head and neck | inferior deep cervical nodes are in direct continuity with the superior deep cervical chain of nodes |
inferior mesenteric nodes | around the root of the inferior mesenteric a. | peripheral nodes located along the marginal a. | lumbar chain of nodes, superior mesenteric nodes | distal 1/3 of the transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, rectum | inferior mesenteric nodes may number as high as 90; an important node group in cases of cancer of the colon and rectum |
inferior tracheobronchial nodes | inferior to tracheal bifurcation | bronchopulmonary nodes, left side inferior tracheobronchial nodes drain into right inferior tracheobronchial nodes | right superior tracheobronchial nodes | lower lobes of the lungs; middle mediastinum; posterior mediastinum | left inferior tracheobronchial nodes drain to the right side |
infraclavicular nodes | along the cephalic v. in the deltopectoral groove | lymphatic vessels from the superficial upper limb | apical axillary nodes | skin and superficial fascia of the upper limb | infraclavicular nodes may become inflamed during infections of the superficial tissues of the upper limb |
inguinal nodes, deep | along the medial side of the femoral v. deep to the fascia lata and inguinal ligament | superficial inguinal nodes, popliteal nodes | external iliac nodes | lower limb, external genitalia, lower part of the anterior abdominal wall | the deep inguinal node in the femoral canal is called the node (or gland) of Cloquet |
inguinal nodes, superficial | in the superficial fascia parallel to the inguinal ligament and along the terminal part of the greater saphenous v. | lymphatic vessels from the superficial lower limb, superficial abdominal wall, perineum | external iliac nodes; deep inguinal nodes | lower abdominal wall; external genitalia; superficial parts of the lower limb | superficial inguinal nodes are 12-20 in number; they become inflamed during infections of the lower limb; they may become inflamed during infections of the external genitalia |
intercostal nodes | near the heads of the ribs | lymphatic vessels from the intercostal space | cisterna chyli/thoracic duct, jugulosubclavian duct | intercostal space and posterolateral thoracic wall | usually two nodes occur in each intercostal space |
internal iliac nodes | along the internal iliac vessels | lymphatic vessels from the pelvic viscera | common iliac nodes, external iliac nodes | pelvis, perineum and gluteal region | internal iliac nodes are 4 to 8 in number |
intestinal lymphatic trunk | left side of the abdominal aorta or between the abdominal aorta and the inferior vena cava near the level of the superior mesenteric artery | union of efferent lymphatic vessels from the celiac nodes and superior mesenteric nodes | left lumbar trunk or the cisterna chyli/thoracic duct | large and small intestines | intestinal lymph trunk carries lymph that is rich in fat; drains into the left lumbar trunk (70%), cisterna chyli (25%) or right lumbar trunk (5%) |
jugular lymphatic trunk | carotid sheath in root of neck | deep cervical nodes | left: thoracic duct near its termination; right: right lymphatic duct or junction of right subclavian and right internal jugular vv. | head & neck | jugular trunk carries most of the lymph from the head and neck |
jugular nodes, anterior | along the anterior jugular vein | lymphatic vessels from the anterior inferior part of the neck | inferior deep cervical nodes | skin and mm. of the anterior infrahyoid region of the neck | anterior jugular nodes are located between the superficial layer of deep cervical fascia and the infrahyoid mm. |
jugular nodes, external | along the external jugular v. | lymphatic vessels from the side of the head | superior deep cervical nodes | inferior part of the ear and the parotid region | there are one or two nodes in this group |
jugulodigastric node | anterolateral to internal jugular v. where it is crossed by posterior belly of the digastric | superior deep cervical nodes | inferior deep cervical nodes | oral cavity, tongue, palatine tonsil | a member of the superior deep cervical node group; important node to palpate during physical exam |
juguloomohyoid node | lateral to internal jugular v. where it is crossed by superior belly of omohyoid | superior deep cervical nodes | inferior deep cervical nodes | submental region and tip of tongue; head & neck above this level | an important node to examine in cases of oral cancer caused by use of tobacco products |
juxtavisceral nodes | adjacent to the cervical viscera | cervical viscera | superior deep cervical nodes, inferior deep cervical nodes | esophagus, larynx, trachea and thyroid gland | four groups of juxtavisceral nodes are recognized: infrahyoid, prelaryngeal, pretracheal and paratracheal |
lateral aortic nodes | along the inferior vena cava and abdominal aorta from the aortic bifurcation to the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm | common iliac nodes; lymphatic vessels from the posterior abdominal wall and viscera | efferents form one lumbar trunk on each side | lower limb; pelvic organs; perineum; anterior and posterior abdominal wall; kidney; suprarenal gland; respiratory diaphragm | also known as: lumbar nodes; the intestinal trunk drains into to the left lumbar trunk; the lumbar trunks unite to form the thoracic duct/cisterna chyli |
lateral axillary nodes | along the distal axillary v. | cubital nodes; lymphatic vessels of the arm | central axillary nodes, apical axillary nodes | upper limb | lateral axillary nodes become inflamed during upper limb infections; also known as: brachial nodes |
left gastric nodes | on the lesser curvature of the stomach, along the course of the left gastric vessels | lymphatic vessels from the lesser curvature of the stomach | celiac nodes | lesser curvature of the stomach | left gastric nodes are 10 to 20 in number |
left gastro-omental nodes | on the greater curvature of the stomach, along the left gastro-omental vessels | lymphatic vessels from the greater curvature of the stomach | splenic nodes | left half of the greater curvature of the stomach | left gastro-omental nodes are 1 or 2 in number |
lumbar nodes | along the inferior vena cava and abdominal aorta from the aortic bifurcation to the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm | common iliac nodes; lymphatic vessels from the posterior abdominal wall and viscera | efferents form one lumbar trunk on each side | lower limb; pelvic organs; perineum; anterior and posterior abdominal wall; kidney; suprarenal gland; respiratory diaphragm | also known as: lateral aortic nodes; the intestinal trunk drains into to the left lumbar trunk; the lumbar trunks unite to form the thoracic duct/cisterna chyli |
lumbar trunk | between the lumbar vertebral bodies and inferior vena cava (right) or aorta (left) at the upper end of the lumbar chain of nodes | lumbar (lateral aortic) nodes; the intestinal trunk joins the left lumbar trunk | thoracic duct/cisterna chyli | left lumbar trunk - left side of the body below the respiratory diaphragm, gut; right lumbar trunk - right side of body below the diaphragm | lumbar trunks unite to form the lower end of the thoracic duct; an enlargement of the lower end of the thoracic duct (called the cisterna chyli) occurs in about 25% of individuals, and when it is present, the lumbar trunks drain into it |
mediastinal nodes, anterior | along the course of the brachiocephalic vessels and aorta | lymphatic vessels from the anterior mediastinum and middle mediastinum | bronchomediastinal trunk | thymus, anterior respiratory diaphragm, pericardium, part of the heart | anterior mediastinal nodes are from 2 to 5 in number |
mediastinal nodes, posterior | along azygos system of veins and esophagus | viscera of the posterior mediastinum and chest wall | thoracic duct, inferior tracheobronchial nodes, superior tracheobronchial nodes | posterior mediastinum, posterior aspect of the heart and pericardium, posterior part of the respiratory diaphragm | posterior mediastinal nodes drain primarily to the thoracic duct |
mesenteric nodes | along the vasa recta and branches of the superior mesenteric a. between the leaves of peritoneum forming the mesentery | peripheral nodes located along the attachment of the mesentery | superior mesenteric nodes | small intestine | mesenteric nodes may number as many as 200; an important node group in cases of intestinal cancer |
mesenteric nodes, inferior | around the root of the inferior mesenteric a. | peripheral nodes located along the marginal a. | lumbar chain of nodes, superior mesenteric nodes | distal 1/3 of the transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, rectum | inferior mesenteric nodes may number as high as 90; an important node group in cases of cancer of the colon and rectum |
mesenteric nodes, superior | along the course of the superior mesenteric a. | mesenteric nodes, ileocolic nodes, right colic nodes, middle colic nodes | celiac nodes, intestinal lymph trunk | gut and viscera supplied by the superior mesenteric a. | superior mesenteric nodes are important in the spread of cancer from the small and large intestine |
middle colic nodes | along the course of the middle colic vessels | peripheral nodes located along the attachment of the mesentery | superior mesenteric nodes | transverse colon | middle colic nodes are approximately 40 in number |
occipital nodes | superior nuchal line, along the course of the occipital a. and v. | lymphatic vessels from the posterior head and neck | accessory nodes | occipital part of the scalp and the superior neck | occipital nodes are 2 or 3 nodes located between the attachments of the sternocleidomastoid m. and the trapezius m. |
pancreaticoduodenal nodes | along the pancreaticoduodenal arcade of vessels | lymphatic vessels from the duodenum and pancreas | pyloric nodes | duodenum and head of the pancreas | lymph from the pancreas is drained in three different directions: pancreaticoduodenal nodes, pancreaticosplenic nodes, superior mesenteric nodes |
pancreaticosplenic nodes | along the splenic vessels | lymphatic vessels from the pancreas and greater curvature of the stomach | celiac nodes | neck, body and tail of the pancreas; left half of the greater curvature of the stomach | lymph from the pancreas is drained in three different directions: pandreaticoduodenal nodes, pancreaticosplenic nodes, superior mesenteric nodes |
paracardial nodes | around the esophagogastric junction | lymphatic vessels of the fundus and cardia of the stomach | left gastric nodes | fundus and cardia of the stomach | paracardial nodes are 5 or 6 in number |
pararectal nodes | along the course of the superior rectal vessels | lymphatic vessels from the rectum and anal canal | inferior mesenteric nodes | rectum and anal canal | pararectal nodes are small lymph nodes that are not well localized |
parasternal nodes | lateral border of sternum, along the course of the internal thoracic vessels | anterior phrenic nodes, lymphatic vessels from the anterior thoracic wall | larger lymphatic vessels in the root of the neck | medial side of the mammary gland; medial part of the anterior chest wall and muscles | parasternal nodes constitute an important drainage pattern in cases of cancer of the mammary gland; one or two parasternal nodes may be found in the anterior end of intercostal spaces 1-6; also known as: sternal nodes |
paratracheal nodes | coursing along the lateral surface of the trachea and esophagus | superior tracheobronchial nodes | bronchomediastinal trunk | lungs, trachea, upper esophagus, the part of the larynx below the vocal folds | paratracheal nodes are an important group of nodes in cases of pulmonary infection or lung cancer; also known as: tracheal nodes |
parotid nodes, deep | on the lateral side of the pharyngeal wall, deep to the parotid gland | lymphatic vessels from the ear | superior deep cervical nodes | external acoustic meatus, auditory tube, middle ear | deep parotid nodes are part of the deep cervical chain of nodes |
parotid nodes, superficial | superficial to the parotid gland and also deep to the parotid fascia | anterior auricular nodes | superior deep cervical nodes | anterior surface of the ear and external acoustic meatus; temporal and frontal regions; eyelids, lacrimal gland cheek and nose | superficial parotid nodes are up to 10 in number and may be located superficial or deep to the parotid fascia |
pectoral nodes | along the lateral border of the pectoralis major m. along the course of the lateral thoracic vessels | lymphatic vessels from the mammary gland and anterolateral thoracic wall | central axillary nodes | anterolateral thoracic wall and muscles; most of the mammary gland | an important group of nodes to examine during a breast physical exam; also known as: anterior axillary nodes |
phrenic nodes | on the thoracic surface of the respiratory diaphragm | lymphatic vessels from the diaphragm, liver and thoracic wall | lumbar nodes, posterior mediastinal nodes | superior surface of the liver, respiratory diaphragm | phrenic nodes drain two structures that are very closely related in developmental origin - the liver and diaphragm (septum transversum) ; three subgroups of phrenic nodes are recognized: anterior, middle and posterior |
popliteal nodes | in the popliteal fossa along the popliteal vessels | lymphatic vessels that accompany the anterior tibial , posterior tibial and fibular vessels | deep and superficial inguinal nodes | leg and foot | 5 or 6 nodes located in the fat of the popliteal fossa |
posterior mediastinal nodes | along azygos system of veins and esophagus | viscera of the posterior mediastinum and chest wall | thoracic duct, inferior tracheobronchial nodes, superior tracheobronchial nodes | posterior mediastinum, posterior aspect of the heart and pericardium, posterior part of the respiratory diaphragm | posterior mediastinal nodes drain primarily to the thoracic duct |
pulmonary nodes | within the lung parenchyma | lymphatic vessels from the parenchyma of the lung | bronchopulmonary (hilar) nodes | lung parenchyma, bronchial tree within the lungs | pulmonary nodes are located along the larger bronchi of the lung |
pyloric nodes | near the termination of the gastroduodenal a. | pancreaticoduodenal nodes | hepatic nodes | head of pancreas and duodenum; right half of greater curvature of stomach | pyloric nodes are 6 to 8 in number |
retroauricular nodes | posterior to the ear | lymphatic vessels from the ear and side of the head | superior deep cervical nodes | scalp overlying the posterior parietal region; skin of the posterior surface of the ear | retroauricular nodes are 1 or 2 nodes located at the insertion of the sternocleidomastoid m. |
retropharyngeal nodes | posterior to pharynx in the retropharyngeal space | lymphatic vessels from the nasal and pharyngeal regions | superior deep cervical nodes | nasal fossae, paranasal sinuses, hard palate, soft palate, middle ear, oropharynx | retropharyngeal nodes are one or two in number; they are part of the deep cervical chain of nodes |
right colic nodes | along the course of the right colic vessels | peripheral nodes located along the marginal a. | superior mesenteric nodes | ascending colon, cecum | right colic nodes are approximately 70 in number |
right gastric nodes | on the lesser curvature of the stomach, along the course of the right gastric vessels | lymphatic vessels from the lesser curvature of the stomach | celiac nodes | lesser curvature of the stomach | right gastric nodes are 2 to 3 in number |
right gastro-omental nodes | on the greater curvature of the stomach, along the right gastro-omental vessels | lymphatic vessels from the greater curvature of the stomach | pyloric nodes | greater curvature of the stomach | right gastro-omental nodes are 6 to 12 in number |
right lymphatic duct | root of neck on the right side | formed by the union of the right jugular trunk,the right subclavian trunk, and the right bronchomediastinal trunk | junction of the right subclavian v. and right internal jugular v. | right half of the head and neck; right upper limb; right side of the chest | right lymphatic duct has a valve near its termination; the three trunks that form right lymphatic duct may drain separately into the venous system |
sacral nodes | along the course of the lateral sacral aa. | lymphatic vessels from the pelvic viscera | common iliac nodes | prostate gland, uterus, vagina, rectum, posterior pelvic wall | sacral nodes are 2 or 3 in number |
spleen | in the abdominal cavity below the left dome of the diaphragm, anterior to the left kidney | splenic brs. of the splenic a. | splenic v. | filters blood by phagocytosis; produces T & B-lymphocytes | spleen contains nodules of lymphatic tissue |
sternal nodes | lateral border of sternum, along the course of the internal thoracic vessels | anterior phrenic nodes, lymphatic vessels from the anterior thoracic wall | larger lymphatic vessels in the root of the neck | medial side of the mammary gland; medial part of the anterior chest wall and muscles | sternal nodes constitute an important drainage pattern in cases of cancer of the mammary gland; one or two sternal nodes may be found in the anterior end of intercostal spaces 1-6; also known as: parasternal nodes |
subclavian trunk | along the course of the subclavian v. | apical axillary nodes; infraclavicular nodes | drains into the junction of the internal jugular v. and the subclavian v. | upper limb, most of breast, anterolateral chest wall | subclavian lymphatic trunk occasionally drains into the thoracic duct on the left side; on the right it occasionally drains into the right lymphatic duct |
submandibular nodes | along the inferior border of the submandibular gland | submental nodes; facial nodes; lymphatic vessels from the submandibular and sublingual regions | superior deep cervical nodes; juguloomohyoid node | anterior part of tongue, lower lip, floor of the mouth, nose, cheeks, chin, gums and lower incisor teeth, lower surface of palate | submandibular nodes may be within the sheath of the submandibular gland; this group consists of from 3 to 6 nodes |
submental nodes | under the mandible on the mylohyoid m. | lymphatic vessels from the lower face and chin | submandibular nodes, juguloomohyoid node | tip of the tongue, lower lip, floor of the mouth, chin, gums and lower incisor teeth | submental nodes are important nodes to examine in cases of oral cancer caused by the use of tobacco products |
subscapular axillary nodes | along the course of the subscapular vessels | lymphatic vessels from the skin of the back and back of the neck; lymphatic vessels from the muscles of the scapular region | central axillary nodes | skin of the back and back of the neck; muscles of the scapular and subscapular regions | subscapular axillary nodes are 5 or 6 in number; also known as: posterior axillary nodes |
superficial cervical nodes | in superficial fascia and along superficial vessels of the head & neck | lymphatic vessels from superficial structures in head & neck | varies by group; ultimate destination is the jugular trunk | head & neck | several groups are designated by location: occipital, retroauricular, anterior auricular, superficial parotid, facial, submental, submandibular, external jugular, anterior jugular |
superficial inguinal nodes | in the superficial fascia parallel to the inguinal ligament and along the terminal part of the greater saphenous v. | lymphatic vessels from the superficial lower limb, superficial abdominal wall, perineum | external iliac nodes; deep inguinal nodes | lower abdominal wall; external genitalia; superficial parts of the lower limb | superficial inguinal nodes are 12-20 in number; they become inflamed during infections of the lower limb; they may become inflamed during infections of the external genitalia |
superficial parotid nodes | superficial to the parotid gland and also deep to the parotid fascia | anterior auricular nodes | superior deep cervical nodes | anterior surface of the ear and external acoustic meatus; temporal and frontal regions; eyelids, lacrimal gland cheek and nose | superficial parotid nodes are up to 10 in number and may be located superficial or deep to the parotid fascia |
superior deep cervical nodes | around the internal jugular v., superior to the crossing of the omohyoid m. | numerous node groups of the head and upper neck, including retropharyngeal nodes and deep parotid nodes | inferior deep cervical nodes | head and the superior part of the neck | the superior deep cervical node group has many large nodes; the jugulodigastric and juguloomohyoid nodes are members of this group |
superior mesenteric nodes | along the course of the superior mesenteric a. | mesenteric nodes, ileocolic nodes, right colic nodes, middle colic nodes | celiac nodes, intestinal lymph trunk | gut and viscera supplied by the superior mesenteric a. | superior mesenteric nodes are important in the spread of cancer from the small and large intestine |
superior tracheobronchial nodes | superolateral to the tracheal bifurcation | bronchopulmonary (hilar) nodes | paratracheal (tracheal) nodes | lungs, middle mediastinum, posterior mediastinum | inferior tracheobronchial nodes drain lymph from the lower lobe of the left lung to the right superior tracheobronchial nodes |
supraclavicular nodes | in and around carotid sheath below level of omohyoid | superior deep cervical nodes, transverse cervical nodes, spinal accessory nodes | efferents form the jugular lymphatic trunk | head and neck | also known as: inferior deep cervical nodes |
thoracic duct | between the esophagus anteriorly and the thoracic vertebral bodies posteriorly | formed by the union of the lumbar lymph trunks, sometimes dilated to form a cisterna chyli | junction of the left subclavian v. and the left internal jugular v. | all of the body and limbs below the respiratory diaphragm; the left side of the chest, left upper limb and the left side of the head and neck above the diaphragm | thoracic duct is the largest lymphatic vessel; it passes through the aortic hiatus on the right side of aorta; it swings to the left side of the esophagus at the T4-T5 intervertebral disc (at the level of the sternal angle) |
thymus | root of the neck and superior mediastinum posterior to sternum | none | parasternal nodes | essential for normal development of the immune system maturation | thymus involutes at puberty and is mostly replaced by a mass of fat |
tonsil, lingual | superior surface of the root of the tongue | lymphatic vessels of the tongue | superior deep cervical nodes | "guards" the entrance of the oropharynx | lingual tonsil is part of the tonsillar ring (of Waldeyer) |
tonsil, palatine | lateral wall of the oropharynx between the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches | lymphatic vessels of the posterior tongue and palatoglossal/ palatopharyngeal arch region | superior deep cervical nodes, especially the jugulodigastric node | "guards" the entrance of the oropharynx | palatine tonsil is part of the tonsillar ring (of Waldeyer) |
tonsil, pharyngeal | roof and posterior wall of the nasopharynx | lymphatic vessels of the wall of the pharynx | superior deep cervical nodes | "guards" the entrance to the nasopharynx | pharyngeal tonsil is part of the tonsillar ring (of Waldeyer); also known as: adenoids |
tonsil, tubal | pharyngeal recess | lymphatic vessels of the torus tubarius and auditory tube | superior deep cervical nodes | "guards" the entrance to the nasopharynx | tubal tonsil is located at the pharyngeal orifice of the auditory tube |
tracheal nodes | coursing along the lateral surface of the trachea and esophagus | superior tracheobronchial nodes | bronchomediastinal trunk | lungs, trachea, upper esophagus, the part of the larynx below the vocal folds | tracheal nodes are an important group of nodes in cases of pulmonary infection or lung cancer; also known as: paratracheal nodes |
tracheobronchial nodes | along the trachea, around the tracheal bifurcation and primary bronchi | lymphatic vessels from the lung | bronchomediastinal lymph trunk | lungs, visceral pleura, bronchi, thoracic part of trachea, left side of heart, esophagus, posterior mediastinum | tracheobronchial nodes may be divided into five groups: paratracheal (tracheal), superior tracheobronchial, inferior tracheobronchial, bronchopulmonary (hilar), pulmonary |
tracheobronchial nodes, inferior | inferior to tracheal bifurcation | bronchopulmonary nodes, left side inferior tracheobronchial nodes drain into right inferior tracheobronchial nodes | right superior tracheobronchial nodes | lower lobes of the lungs; middle mediastinum; posterior mediastinum | left inferior tracheobronchial nodes drain to the right side |
tracheobronchial nodes, superior | superolateral to the tracheal bifurcation | bronchopulmonary (hilar) nodes | paratracheal (tracheal) nodes | lungs, middle mediastinum, posterior mediastinum | inferior tracheobronchial nodes drain lymph from the lower lobe of the left lung to the right superior tracheobronchial nodes |
transverse cervical nodes | along the course of the transverse cervical blood vessels | accessory chain of nodes, sometimes the apical axillary nodes | variable: jugular lymphatic trunk, right lymphatic trunk or thoracic duct | lateral part of the neck, anterior thoracic wall, mammary gland | transverse cervical nodes are approximately 10 in number and may drain directly into the internal jugular v. or subclavian v. |