Lymphatics of the chest wall

Question 1

What are the locations of the major lymph nodes of the body? (7)

Answer 1

• Root of the upper limb (axillary)
• Root of the lower limb (superficial and deep inguinal)
• Around the pectoralis major muscle/breast (pectoral)
• Bifurcation of trachea in thorax (tracheobronchial)
• The hilum of the lungs (bronchomediastinal)
• Around root of arteries in the abdomen and pelvis (lumbar/pelvic)
• Superficial and deep groups in head and neck (superficial cervical and deep cervical)

Question 2

What arise form these major lymph nodes?

Answer 2

Efferent lymphatic vessels

Question 3

Where do efferent lymphatic vessels lead to?

Answer 3

Thoracic duct or right lymphatic duct

Question 4

Where do lymph nodes tend to cluster?

Answer 4

Around large veins

Question 5

Where do the axillary lymph nodes lie

Answer 5

In relation to the axillary vein and its branches in the axilla.

Question 6

What connects nodes together?

Answer 6

Lymph channels

Question 7

What is the composition of the breast?

Answer 7

Glandular surrounded by extensive adipose tissue

Question 8

Where does most of the breast lymph drain to first?

Answer 8

The anterior (pectoral) group of axillary lymph nodes