Axillary Lymph Node

Axillary Lymph Node

Question. Describe the axillary lymph nodes briefly and discuss their applied importance.
Answer.

“Factors influencing success with axillary lymph node studies: Q&A”

Axillary Lymph Nodes Location

In the fibrofatty tissue of the axilla.

Axillary Lymph Nodes Groups

Axillary lymph nodes are 15–20 in number and are divided into five groups

Axillary Lymph Nodes Anterior group

• Lies along the inferior border of the pectoralis minor/lateral thoracic vein.
• Axillary Lymph Nodes Anterior group drains most of the lymph from the breast.

“Understanding axillary lymph nodes through FAQs: Composition, functions, and uses explained”

Posterior (subscapular) group

• The posterior (subscapular) group lies along the subscapular vein and drains lymph from the axillary tail of the breast.

Lateral group

• The lateral group lies posteromedial to the axillary vein along the upper part of the humerus.
• The lateral group drains lymph from the entire upper limb.

Central group

• The central group lies in the upper part of the axilla.
• Central group receives lymph from other groups (vide supra).

“Importance of studying axillary lymph nodes for medical students: Questions explained”

Apical group

• The apical group lies at the apex of the axilla along the medial side of the axillary vein. It receives lymph from the central group, the breast, and the thumb.

Axillary Lymph Nodes Applied Anatomy

• Axillary lymph nodes are involved and enlarged in breast cancer.
• Axillary lymph nodes are also enlarged if infection occurs anywhere in the areas of their drainage. They are routinely palpated by the clinicians while examining a patient.