Medical Gross Anatomy
Anatomy Tables - Lymphatics

Lymphatics of the Body - Listed Alphabetically

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. (Latin, jugulum = throat)
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 (Greek, celiac = belly)
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 (Latin, cisterna = an underground reservoir or tank of water)
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 (Greek, parotid = the gland beside the ear)
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 (Latin, jugulum = throat)
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. (Latin, jugulum = throat)
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 (Latin, jugulum = throat)
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 (Latin, jugulum = throat)
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 (Latin, jugulum = throat)
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. (Latin, occiput = the back of the head)
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 (Greek, phrenic = diaphragm)
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 (Latin, medius = middle + stare = stand, thus that area which stands in the middle of the thorax)
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 (Greek, pylorus = a gatekeeper)
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.


The material presented in these tables is contained in the book:
MedCharts Anatomy by Thomas R. Gest & Jaye Schlesinger
Published by ILOC, Inc., New York
Copyright © 1995, unauthorized use prohibited.
The excellent editorial assistance of
Dr. Pat Tank, UAMS
is gratefully acknowledged.