Anatomy: Upper Limb - Superficial Lymphatics and Axillary Lymph Nodes

Upper Limb - Superficial Lymphatics and Axillary Lymph Nodes Superficial Lymphatics Lymphatics of the finger Drain into the plexus on the dorsum and palm of the hand. Medial group of lymphatic vessels Accompanies the basilic vein; passes through the cubital or supratrochlear nodes; and ascends to enter the lateral axillary nodes , which drain first into the central axillary nodes and then into the apical axillary nodes. Lateral group of lymphatic vessels Accompanies the cephalic vein and drains into the lateral axillary nodes and also into the deltopectoral (infraclavicular) node, which then drain into the apical nodes. Axillary lymph nodes Central nodes Lie near the base of the axilla between the lateral thoracic and subscapular veins; receive lymph from the lateral, pectoral, and posterior groups of nodes; and drain into the apical nodes. Lateral (brachial) nodes Lie posteromedial to the axillary veins, receive lymph from the upper limb, and drain into the central nodes. Subscapular (posterior) nodes Lie along the subscapular vein, receive lymph from the posterior thoracic wall and the posterior aspect of the shoulder, and drain into the central nodes. Pectoral (anterior) nodes Lie along the inferolateral border of the pectoralis minor muscle; receive lymph from the anterior and lateral thoracic walls, including the breast; and drain into the central nodes. Apical nodes Lie at the apex of the axilla medial to the axillary vein and above the upper border of the pectoralis minor muscle, receive lymph from all of the other axillary nodes (and occasionally from the breast), and drain into the subclavian trunks.