Gross Anatomy

Lymphatics of the Body - Listed Alphabetically

Structure Location Afferents from Efferents to Regions drainedNotes

accessory nodes=located at posterior triangle of the neck, arranged along the accessory n.+having
afferents from occipital nodes, retroauricular nodes+efferents to transverse cervical chain of
nodes+regions drained are 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=located at subcutaneous connective tissue anterior to the ear+having

afferents from lymphatic vessels from the side of the head+efferents to superior parotid nodes;
superior deep cervical nodes+regions drained are 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=located at along the anterior jugular vein+having afferents from lymphatic
vessels from the anterior inferior part of the neck+efferents to inferior deep cervical nodes+regions
drained are 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=located at along the course of the brachiocephalic vessels and
aorta+having afferents from lymphatic vessels from the anterior mediastinum and middle
mediastinum+efferents to bronchomediastinal trunk+regions drained are thymus, anterior
respiratory diaphragm, pericardium, part of the heart+anterior mediastinal nodes are from 2 to 5 in
number

apical axillary nodes=located at apex of the axilla+having afferents from lateral axillary nodes;
central axillary nodes; subscapular axillary nodes; pectoral nodes; accessory lymphatic vessels from
the mammary gland; lymphatic vessels accompanying the cephalic v.+efferents to subclavian
lymphatic trunk; deep cervical lymph nodes+regions drained are 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=located at subcutaneous connective tissue anterior to the ear+having

afferents from lymphatic vessels from the side of the head+efferents to superior parotid nodes;
superior deep cervical nodes+regions drained are 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=located at axilla+having efferents from cubital nodes; lymphatic vessels from the
upper limb, thoracic wall and subscapular region+efferents to efferents vessels form the subclavian
trunk, some drainage to inferior deep cervical nodes+regions drained are 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=located at apex of the axilla+having afferents from lateral axillary nodes;
central axillary nodes; subscapular axillary nodes; pectoral nodes; accessory lymphatic vessels from
the mammary gland; lymphatic vessels accompanying the cephalic v.+efferents to subclavian
lymphatic trunk; deep cervical lymph nodes+regions drained are 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=located at in the fat of the axilla+having afferents from lateral axillary nodes;
pectoral nodes; subscapular nodes; lymphatic vessels from the mammary gland and upper
limb+efferents to apical axillary nodes+regions drained are 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=located at along the distal axillary v.+having afferents from cubital nodes;
lymphatic vessels of the arm+efferents to central axillary nodes, apical axillary nodes+regions
drained are upper limb+lateral axillary nodes become inflamed during upper limb infections; also
known as: brachial nodes

axillary nodes, subscapular=located at along the course of the subscapular vessels+having afferents
from lymphatic vessels from the skin of the back and back of the neck; lymphatic vessels from the
muscles of the scapular region+efferents to central axillary nodes+regions drained are 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=located at along the course of the brachiocephalic v.+having afferents

from union of efferents from the paratracheal nodes, parasternal nodes and anterior mediastinal
nodes+efferents to left: thoracic duct; right: right lymphatic duct+reguons drained are 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=located at hilum of the lung+having afferents from pulmonary

nodes+efferents to tracheobronchial nodes+regions drained are lung+bronchopulmonary nodes are
also known as: hilar nodes

celiac nodes=located at around the celiac trunk hepatic nodes, gastric nodes, pancreaticosplenic
nodes+efferents to intestinal lymph trunk+regions drained are liver, gall bladder, stomach, spleen,
pancreas+celiac nodes are from 3 to 6 in number

central axillary nodes=located at in the fat of the axilla+having afferents from lateral axillary nodes;
pectoral nodes; subscapular nodes; lymphatic vessels from the mammary gland and upper
limb+efferents to apical axillary nodes+regions drained are 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=located at in and around carotid sheath posterior and lateral to the internal
jugular v.+having afferents from lymphatic vessels and numerous node groups from the head and
neck+efferents to jugular trunk+regions drained are head and neck+superior and inferior
subdivisions of deep cervical nodes are delineated by the crossing of the omohyoid m.

cisterna chyli=located at between the abdominal aorta and the inferior vena cava anterior to the
body of the L1 or L2 vertebra+having afferents from right and & left lumbar trunks; possibly the
intestinal trunk thoracic duct+efferents to 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=located at along the course of the middle colic vessels+having afferents from
peripheral nodes located along the attachment of the mesentery+efferents to superior mesenteric
nodes+regions drained are transverse colon+middle colic nodes are approximately 40 in number

colic nodes, right=located at along the course of the right colic vessels+having afferents from
peripheral nodes located along the marginal a.+efferents to superior mesenteric nodes+regions
drained are ascending colon, cecum+right colic nodes are approximately 70 in number

common iliac nodes=located along the common iliac vessels; over the sacral promontory+having
afferents from external iliac nodes, internal iliac nodes+efferents to lumbar (lateral aortic) chain of
nodes+regions drained are lower limb; pelvic organs, perineum, lower part of the anterior
abdominal wall+common iliac nodes are approximately 6 in number

cubital nodes=located at cubital fossa of the upper limb+having affarents from lymphatic vessels
from the forearm+efferents to lateral axillary nodes+efferents to deep tissues of the forearm and
hand+cubital nodes small and are 5 or 6 in number

cystic node=located near the neck of the gall bladder+having afferents from lymphatic vessels of the
gall bladder+efferents to hepatic nodes+regions drained are gall bladder +cystic node drains to the
node of the omental foramen, then to hepatic nodes

deep cervical nodes=located in and around carotid sheath posterior and lateral to the internal
jugular v.+having afferents from lymphatic vessels and numerous node groups from the head and
neck+efferents to jugular trunk+regions drained are head and neck+superior and inferior
subdivisions of deep cervical nodes are delineated by the crossing of the omohyoid m.

deep cervical nodes, inferior=located around the internal jugular v., inferior to the crossing of the
omohyoid m.+having afferents from superior deep cervical nodes; numerous node groups of the
neck+efferents to jugular trunk+regions drained are head and neck+inferior deep cervical nodes are
in direct continuity with the superior deep cervical chain of nodes

deep cervical nodes, superior=located around the internal jugular v., superior to the crossing of the
omohyoid m.+having numerous node groups of the head and upper neck, including retropharyngeal
nodes and deep parotid nodes+efferents to 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=located at along the medial side of the femoral v. deep to the fascia lata and
inguinal ligament+having afferents from superficial inguinal nodes, popliteal nodes+efferents to
external iliac nodes+regions drained are 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=located on the lateral side of the pharyngeal wall, deep to the parotid
gland+having afferents from lymphatic vessels from the ear+efferents to superior deep cervical
nodes+regions drained are external acoustic meatus, auditory tube, middle ear+deep parotid nodes
are part of the deep cervical chain of nodes

external iliac nodes=located along the external iliac vessels+having afferents from superficial inguinal
nodes; deep inguinal nodes; inferior epigastric nodes+efferents to common iliac nodes+regions
drained are lower limb; external genitalia; lower part of the anterior abdominal wall+external iliac
nodes are 8 to 10 in number

external jugular nodes=located along the external jugular v.+having afferents from lymphatic vessels
from the side of the head+efferents to superior deep cervical nodes+regions drained are inferior
part of the ear and the parotid region+there are one or two nodes in this group

facial nodes=located along the course of the facial a. and v.+having afferents from lymphatic vessels
from the face+efferents to submandibular nodes+regions drained are 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=located on the lesser curvature of the stomach, along the course of the left
gastric vessels+having afferents from lymphatic vessels from the lesser curvature of the
stomach+efferents to celiac nodes+regions drained are lesser curvature of the stomach+left gastric
nodes are 10 to 20 in number

gastric nodes, right=located on the lesser curvature of the stomach, along the course of the right
gastric vessels+having afferents from lymphatic vessels from the lesser curvature of the
stomach+efferents to celiac nodes+regions drained are lesser curvature of the stomach+right gastric
nodes are 2 to 3 in number

gastro-omental nodes, left=located on the greater curvature of the stomach, along the left gastro-
omental vessels+having afferents from lymphatic vessels from the greater curvature of the
stomach+efferents to splenic nodes+regions drained are left half of the greater curvature of the
stomach+left gastro-omental nodes are 1 or 2 in number

gastro-omental nodes, right= located on the greater curvature of the stomach, along the right
gastro-omental vessels+having afferents from lymphatic vessels from the greater curvature of the
stomach+efferents to pyloric nodes+regions drained are greater curvature of the stomach+right
gastro-omental nodes are 6 to 12 in number

hepatic nodes=located along the course of the common hepatic a.+having afferents from right
gastric nodes, pyloric nodes+efferents to celiac nodes+regions drained are 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=located at hilum of lung+having afferents from pulmonary nodes+efferents to

tracheobronchial nodes+regions drained are lung+also known as: bronchopulmonary nodes

ileocolic nodes=located along the origin and terminal end of the ileocolic vessels+having afferents
from peripheral nodes located along the attachment of the mesentery+efferents to superior
mesenteric nodes+regions drained are 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=located along the common iliac vessels; over the sacral promontory+having
afferents from external iliac nodes, internal iliac nodes+efferents to lumbar (lateral aortic) chain of
nodes+regions drained are lower limb; pelvic organs, perineum, lower part of the anterior
abdominal wall+common iliac nodes are approximately 6 in number

iliac nodes, external=located at along the external iliac vessels+having afferents from superficial
inguinal nodes; deep inguinal nodes; inferior epigastric nodes+efferents to common iliac
nodes+regions drained are lower limb; external genitalia; lower part of the anterior abdominal
wall+external iliac nodes are 8 to 10 in number

iliac nodes, internal=located along the internal iliac vessels+having afferents from lymphatic vessels
from the pelvic viscera+efferents to common iliac nodes, external iliac nodes+regions drained are
pelvis, perineum and gluteal region+internal iliac nodes are 4 to 8 in number

inferior deep cervical nodes=located around the internal jugular v., inferior to the crossing of the
omohyoid m.+having afferents from superior deep cervical nodes; numerous node groups of the
neck+efferents to jugular trunk+regions drained are head and node+inferior deep cervical nodes are
in direct continuity with the superior deep cervical chain of nodes

inferior mesenteric nodes=located around the root of the inferior mesenteric a.+having afferents
from peripheral nodes located along the marginal a.+efferents to lumbar chain of nodes, superior
mesenteric nodes+regions drained are 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=located at inferior to tracheal bifurcation+having afferents from

bronchopulmonary nodes,+efferents to left side inferior tracheobronchial nodes drain into right
inferior tracheobronchial nodes right superior tracheobronchial nodes+regions drained are lower
lobes of the lungs; middle mediastinum; posterior mediastinum+left inferior tracheobronchial nodes
drain to the right side

infraclavicular nodes=located along along the cephalic v. in the deltopectoral groove+having

afferents from lymphatic vessels from the superficial upper limb+efferents to apical axillary
nodes+regions drained are 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=located along along the medial side of the femoral v. deep to the fascia lata
and inguinal ligament+having afferents from superficial inguinal nodes, popliteal nodes+efferents to
external iliac nodes+regions drained are 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=located in the superficial fascia parallel to the inguinal ligament and along
the terminal part of the greater saphenous v.+having afferents from lymphatic vessels from the
superficial lower limb, superficial abdominal wall, perineum+efferents to external iliac nodes; deep
inguinal nodes+regions drained are 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=located near the heads of the ribs+having afferents fromlymphatic vessels from
the intercostal space+efferents to cisterna chyli/thoracic duct, jugulosubclavian duct+regions
drained are intercostal space and posterolateral thoracic wall+usually two nodes occur in each
intercostal space
internal iliac nodes=located along the internal iliac vessels+having afferents from lymphatic vessels
from the pelvic viscera+efferents to common iliac nodes, external iliac nodes+regions drained are
pelvis, perineum and gluteal region+internal iliac nodes are 4 to 8 in number

intestinal lymphatic trunk=located at left side of the abdominal aorta or between the abdominal
aorta and the inferior vena cava near the level of the superior mesenteric artery+having afferents
from union of efferent lymphatic vessels from the celiac nodes and superior mesenteric
nodes+efferents to left lumbar trunk or the cisterna chyli/thoracic duct large and small
intestines+regions drained are 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=located at carotid sheath in root of neck+having afferents from deep
cervical nodes+efferents to left: thoracic duct near its termination; right: right lymphatic duct or
junction of right subclavian and right internal jugular vv.+regions drained are head & neck+jugular
trunk carries most of the lymph from the head and neck

jugular nodes, anterior=located along the anterior jugular vein+having afferents from lymphatic
vessels from the anterior inferior part of the neck+efferents to inferior deep cervical nodes+regions
drained are 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=located along the external jugular v.+having afferents from lymphatic
vessels from the side of the head+efferents to superior deep cervical nodes+regions drained ars
inferior part of the ear and the parotid region+there are one or two nodes in this group

jugulodigastric node=located at anterolateral to internal jugular v. where it is crossed by posterior

belly of the digastric+having afferents from superior deep cervical nodes+efferents to inferior deep
cervical nodes+regions drained are oral cavity, tongue, palatine tonsil+a member of the superior
deep cervical node group; important node to palpate during physical exam

juguloomohyoid node=located at lateral to internal jugular v. where it is crossed by superior belly of

omohyoid+having afferents from superior deep cervical nodes+efferents to inferior deep cervical
nodes+regions drained are 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=located adjacent to the cervical viscera+having afferents from cervical

viscera+efferents to superior deep cervical nodes, inferior deep cervical nodes+regions drained are
esophagus, larynx, trachea and thyroid gland+four groups of juxtavisceral nodes are recognized:
infrahyoid, prelaryngeal, pretracheal and paratracheal

lateral aortic nodes=located along the inferior vena cava and abdominal aorta from the aortic
bifurcation to the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm+having afferents from common iliac nodes;
lymphatic vessels from the posterior abdominal wall and viscera+efferents to efferents form one
lumbar trunk on each side+regions drained are 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=located along the distal axillary v.+having afferents from cubital nodes;
lymphatic vessels of the arm+efferents to central axillary nodes, apical axillary nodes+regions
drained are upper limb+lateral axillary nodes become inflamed during upper limb infections; also
known as: brachial nodes
left gastric nodes=located on the lesser curvature of the stomach, along the course of the left gastric
vessels+having afferents from lymphatic vessels from the lesser curvature of the stomach+efferents
to celiac nodes+regions drained are lesser curvature of the stomach+left gastric nodes are 10 to 20
in number

left gastro-omental nodes=located on the greater curvature of the stomach, along the left gastro-
omental vessels+having afferents from lymphatic vessels from the greater curvature of the
stomach+efferents to splenic nodes+regions drained are left half of the greater curvature of the
stomach+left gastro-omental nodes are 1 or 2 in number

lumbar nodes=located along the inferior vena cava and abdominal aorta from the aortic bifurcation
to the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm+having afferents from common iliac nodes; lymphatic vessels
from the posterior abdominal wall and viscera+efferents to efferents form one lumbar trunk on each
side+regions drained are 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=located between the lumbar vertebral bodies and inferior vena cava (right) or aorta
(left) at the upper end of the lumbar chain of nodes+having afferents from lumbar (lateral aortic)
nodes; the intestinal trunk joins the left lumbar trunk+efferents to thoracic duct/cisterna
chyli+regions drained are 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=located along the course of the brachiocephalic vessels and
aorta+having afferents from lymphatic vessels from the anterior mediastinum and middle
mediastinum+efferents to bronchomediastinal trunk+regions drained are thymus, anterior
respiratory diaphragm, pericardium, part of the heart+anterior mediastinal nodes are from 2 to 5 in
number

mediastinal nodes, posterior=located along azygos system of veins and esophagus+having afferents
from viscera of the posterior mediastinum and chest wall+efferents to thoracic duct, inferior
tracheobronchial nodes, superior tracheobronchial nodes+regions drained are 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=located along the vasa recta and branches of the superior mesenteric a. between
the leaves of peritoneum forming the mesentery+having afferents from peripheral nodes located
along the attachment of the mesentery+efferents to superior mesenteric nodes+regions drained are
small intestine+mesenteric nodes may number as many as 200; an important node group in cases of
intestinal cancer

mesenteric nodes, iinferio=located around the root of the inferior mesenteric a.+having afferents
from peripheral nodes located along the marginal a.+efferents to lumbar chain of nodes, superior
mesenteric nodes+regions drained are 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=located along the course of the superior mesenteric a.+having afferents
from mesenteric nodes, ileocolic nodes, right colic nodes, middle colic nodes+efferents to celiac
nodes, intestinal lymph trunk+regions drained are 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=located along the course of the middle colic vessels+having afferents from
peripheral nodes located along the attachment of the mesentery+efferents to superior mesenteric
nodes+regions drained are transverse colon+middle colic nodes are approximately 40 in number

occipital nodes=located at superior nuchal line, along the course of the occipital a. and v.+having
afferents from lymphatic vessels from the posterior head and neck+efferents to accessory
nodes+regions drained are 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=located along the pancreaticoduodenal arcade of vessels+having

afferents from lymphatic vessels from the duodenum and pancreas+efferents to pyloric
nodes+regions drained are 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=located along the splenic vessels+having afferents fromlymphatic vessels

from the pancreas and greater curvature of the sstomac+efferents to celiac nodes+regions drained
ars 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=located around the esophagogastric junction+having afferents from lymphatic

vessels of the fundus and cardia of the stomach+efferents from left gastric nodes+regions drained
are fundus and cardia of the stomach+paracardial nodes are 5 or 6 in number

pararectal nodes=locating along the course of the superior rectal vessels+having afferents from
lymphatic vessels from the rectum and anal canal+efferents to inferior mesenteric nodes+regions
drained are rectum and anal canal+Para rectal nodes are small lymph nodes that are not well
localized

parasternal nodes=located at lateral border of sternum, along the course of the internal thoracic
vessels+having afferents from anterior phrenic nodes, lymphatic vessels from the anterior thoracic
wall+efferents to larger lymphatic vessels in the root of the neck +regions drained are 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=located at coursing along the lateral surface of the trachea and
esophagus+having afferents from superior tracheobronchial nodes+efferents to bronchomediastinal
trunk+regions drained are 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=located on the lateral side of the pharyngeal wall, deep to the parotid
gland+having afferents from lymphatic vessels from the ear+efferents to superior deep cervical
nodes+regions drained are external acoustic meatus, auditory tube, middle ear deep parotid nodes
are part of the deep cervical chain of nodes

parotid nodes, superficial=located at superficial to the parotid gland and also deep to the parotid
fascia+having afferents from anterior auricular nodes+efferents to superior deep cervical
nodes+regions drained are 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=located along the lateral border of the pectoralis major m. along the course of the
lateral thoracic vessels+having afferents from lymphatic vessels from the mammary gland and
anterolateral thoracic wall+efferents to central axillary nodes+regions drained are 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=located on the thoracic surface of the respiratory diaphragm+having afferents from
lymphatic vessels from the diaphragm, liver and thoracic wall+efferents to lumbar nodes, posterior
mediastinal nodes+regions drained are 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=located in the popliteal fossa along the popliteal vessels+having afferents from
lymphatic vessels that accompany the anterior tibial , posterior tibial and fibular vessels+efferents to
deep and superficial inguinal nodes+regions drained are leg and foot+5 or 6 nodes located in the fat
of the popliteal fossa

posterior mediastinal nodes=located along azygos system of veins and eesophagu+having afferents
from viscera of the posterior mediastinum and chest wall+efferents to thoracic duct, inferior
tracheobronchial nodes, superior tracheobronchial nodes+regions drained are 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=located within the lung parenchyma+having afferents from lymphatic vessels
from the parenchyma of the lung+efferents to bronchopulmonary (hilar) nodes+regions drained are
lung parenchyma, bronchial tree within the lungs+pulmonary nodes are located along the larger
bronchi of the lung

pyloric nodes=located near the termination of the gastroduodenal a.+having afferents from
pancreaticoduodenal nodes+efferents to hepatic nodes+regions drained are head of pancreas and
duodenum; right half of greater curvature of stomach+pyloric nodes are 6 to 8 in number

retroauricular nodes=located at posterior to the ear+having afferents from lymphatic vessels from
the ear and side of the head+efferents to superior deep cervical nodes+regions drained are 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=located at posterior to pharynx in the retropharyngeal space+having

afferents from lymphatic vessels from the nasal and pharyngeal regions+efferents to superior deep
cervical nodes+regions drained are 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=located along the course of the right colic vessels+having afferents from peripheral
nodes located along the marginal a.+efferents to superior mesenteric nodes+regions drained are
ascending colon, cecum+right colic nodes are approximately 70 in number

right gastric nodes=located on the lesser curvature of the stomach, along the course of the right
gastric vessels+having afferents from lymphatic vessels from the lesser curvature of the
stomach+efferents to celiac nodes+regions drained are lesser curvature of the stomach+right gastric
nodes are 2 to 3 in number

right gastro-omental nodes=located on the greater curvature of the stomach, along the right gastro-
omental vessels+having affernts from lymphatic vessels from the greater curvature of the
stomach+efferents to pyloric nodes+regions drained are greater curvature of the stomach+right
gastro-omental nodes are 6 to 12 in number

right lymphatic duct=located at 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.+regions drained are 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=located along the course of the lateral sacral aa.+having afferents from lymphatic
vessels from the pelvic viscera+efferents to common iliac nodes+regions drained are prostate gland,
uterus, vagina, rectum, posterior pelvic wall+sacral nodes are 2 or 3 in number

spleen=located in the abdominal cavity below the left dome of the diaphragm, anterior to the left
kidney+having afferents from splenic brs. of the splenic a.+efferents to splenic v.+filters blood by
phagocytosis; produces T & B-lymphocytes+spleen contains nodules of lymphatic tissue

sternal nodes=located at lateral border of sternum, along the course of the internal thoracic
vessels+having afferents from anterior phrenic nodes, lymphatic vessels from the anterior thoracic
wall+efferents to larger lymphatic vessels in the root of the neck+regions drained are 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=located along the course of the subclavian v.+having afferents from apical axillary
nodes; infraclavicular nodes+efferents to drains into the junction of the internal jugular v. and the
subclavian v.+regions.drained are 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=located along the inferior border of the submandibular gland+having

afferents feom submental nodes; facial nodes; lymphatic vessels from the submandibular and
sublingual regions+efferents to superior deep cervical nodes; juguloomohyoid node+regions drained
are 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=located under the mandible on the mylohyoid m.+having afferents from lymphatic
vessels from the lower face and chin+efferents to submandibular nodes, juguloomohyoid
node+regions drained are 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=located along the course of the subscapular vessels+having afferents
from lymphatic vessels from the skin of the back and back of the neck; lymphatic vessels from the
muscles of the scapular region+efferents to central axillary nodes+regions drained are 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=located in superficial fascia and along superficial vessels of the head &
neck+having afferents from lymphatic vessels from superficial structures in head & neck+efferents to
varies by group; ultimate destination is the jugular trunk+regions drained are head & neck+ several
groups are designated by location: occipital, retroauricular, anterior auricular, superficial parotid,
facial, submental, submandibular, external jugular, anterior jugular

superficial inguinal nodes=located in the superficial fascia parallel to the inguinal ligament and along
the terminal part of the greater saphenous v.+having afferents from lymphatic vessels from the
superficial lower limb, superficial abdominal wall, perineum+efferents to external iliac nodes; deep
inguinal nodes+regions drained are 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=located at superficial to the parotid gland and also deep to the parotid
fascia+having afferents from anterior auricular nodes+efferents to superior deep cervical
nodes+regions drained are 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=located around the internal jugular v., superior to the crossing of the
omohyoid m.+having afferents from numerous node groups of the head and upper neck, including
retropharyngeal nodes and deep parotid nodes+efferents to inferior deep cervical nodes+regions
drained are.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=located along the course of the superior mesenteric a.+having afferents
feom mesenteric nodes, ileocolic nodes, right colic nodes, middle colic nodes+efferents to celiac
nodes, intestinal lymph trunk+regions drained ars 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=located at superolateral to the tracheal bifurcation+having

afferents from bronchopulmonary (hilar) nodes+efferents to paratracheal (tracheal) nodes+regions
drained ars 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=located in and around carotid sheath below level of omohyoid+having

afferents from superior deep cervical nodes, transverse cervical nodes, spinal accessory
nodes+efferents to efferents form the jugular lymphatic trunk+regions.drained are head and
neck+also known as: inferior deep cervical nodes

thoracic duct=located 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.+regions drained are 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=located at root of the neck and superior mediastinum posterior to sternum+having

afferents from none+efferents to 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=located at superior surface of the root of the tongue+having afferents from lymphatic
vessels of the tongue+efferents to superior deep cervical nodes "guards" the entrance of the
oropharynx+lingual tonsil is part of the tonsillar ring (of Waldeyer)

tonsil, palatine=located at lateral wall of the oropharynx between the palatoglossal and
palatopharyngeal arches+having afferents feom lymphatic vessels of the posterior tongue and
palatoglossal/palatopharyngeal arch region+efferents to 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=located at roof and posterior wall of the nasopharynx +having afferents from
lymphatic vessels of the wall of the pharynx+efferents to 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=located at pharyngeal recess+having afferents from lymphatic vessels of the torus
tubarius and auditory tube+efferents to superior deep cervical nodes+"guards" the entrance to the
nasopharynx+tubal tonsil is located at the pharyngeal orifice of the auditory tube

tracheal nodes=located at coursing along the lateral surface of the trachea and esophagus+having
afferents from superior tracheobronchial nodes+efferents to bronchomediastinal trunk+regions
drained are 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=located along the trachea, around the tracheal bifurcation and primary
bronchi+having afferents from lymphatic vessels from the lung+efferents to bronchomediastinal
lymph trunk+regions drained are 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=located at inferior to tracheal bifurcation+having afferents from

bronchopulmonary nodes, left side inferior tracheobronchial nodes+efferents to drain into right
inferior tracheobronchial nodes right superior tracheobronchial nodes+regions drained are lower
lobes of the lungs; middle mediastinum; posterior mediastinum+left inferior tracheobronchial nodes
drain to the right side

tracheobronchial nodes, superior=located at superolateral to the tracheal bifurcation+having

afferents from bronchopulmonary (hilar) nodes+efferents to paratracheal (tracheal) nodes+regions
drained are 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=located along the course of the transverse cervical blood vessels+having
afferents from accessory chain of nodes, sometimes the apical axillary nodes+efferents to variable:
jugular lymphatic trunk, right lymphatic trunk or thoracic duct+regions drained are 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.