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    Related Topics

    From Lymphatic System

    Lymphatic Capillaries
    Initial lymphatic vessels that collect interstitial fluid.
    Appendix
    Lymphoid-rich structure of the large intestine.
    Red Bone Marrow
    Produces lymphocytes; site of B-cell maturation.
    GALT
    Gut-associated lymphoid tissue.
    Parotid Lymph Nodes
    Drain the lateral face and scalp.
    Superficial Cervical Lymph Nodes
    Drain superficial structures of the head and neck.
    Preaortic Nodes
    Located in front of the aorta.
    Lymph Nodes
    Small structures that filter lymph and store immune cells.
    SALT
    Skin-associated lymphoid tissue.
    NALT
    Nasal-associated lymphoid tissue.
    Central Axillary Nodes
    Located centrally in the armpit.
    Lingual Tonsils
    Located at the base of the tongue.
    Sacral Lymph Nodes
    Drain the pelvic floor and rectum.
    Palatine Tonsils
    Located on each side of the oropharynx.
    Occipital Lymph Nodes
    Drain the back of the scalp.
    Inguinal Lymph Nodes
    Drain the lower limbs and external genitalia.
    Popliteal Lymph Nodes
    Drain the foot and leg.
    Subscapular Axillary Nodes
    Located along the posterior chest wall.
    Right Lymphatic Duct
    Drains right upper quadrant of the body.
    BALT
    Bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue.
    Pectoral Axillary Nodes
    Located along the anterior chest wall.
    Iliac Lymph Nodes
    Include external, internal, and common iliac nodes.
    Deep Cervical Lymph Nodes
    Located along internal jugular vein; receive lymph from head and neck.
    Pharyngeal Tonsil
    Located in the nasopharynx (adenoids).
    Thoracic Duct
    Main lymphatic duct draining most of the body.

    Lateral Axillary Nodes

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Located along the humerus in the axilla.

    1. Overview

    The lateral axillary lymph nodes—also known as the humeral axillary nodes—are a group of lymph nodes situated along the lateral wall of the axilla. They are responsible for draining lymph from the upper limb and are part of the larger axillary lymph node network, which also includes the pectoral, subscapular, central, and apical nodes. These nodes serve as critical filtration points for immune surveillance and fluid balance in the upper extremity.

    2. Location

    The lateral axillary nodes are located:

    • Medial and posterior to the axillary vein

    • Along the lateral wall of the axilla

    • Adjacent to the humerus, hence the name "humeral nodes"

    They typically lie deep to the pectoralis major and minor muscles, close to the insertion of the teres major and subscapularis muscles. These nodes receive afferent lymphatics mainly from the arm and hand and send efferent lymphatics to the central and apical axillary lymph nodes.

    3. Structure

    Lateral axillary nodes are bean-shaped, encapsulated lymphatic organs composed of structured lymphoid tissue. Their typical anatomical components include:

    • Capsule: A dense outer layer of connective tissue enclosing the node

    • Cortex: Contains follicles rich in B lymphocytes for antibody production

    • Paracortex: Contains T lymphocytes and antigen-presenting dendritic cells

    • Medulla: Houses plasma cells, macrophages, and sinuses for final lymph filtration

    • Afferent lymphatic vessels: Bring lymph from superficial and deep tissues of the upper limb

    • Efferent lymphatic vessels: Drain into central and eventually apical axillary lymph nodes

    4. Function

    Lateral axillary nodes serve as critical hubs for lymphatic drainage and immune function in the upper limb. Their primary functions include:

    • Filtration of lymph: Remove pathogens, debris, cancer cells, and foreign particles from lymph drained from the arm

    • Immune activation: Process antigens and stimulate B and T lymphocyte responses

    • Relay station: Serve as an intermediary node group in the progression of lymph from peripheral limb to central circulation

    5. Physiological Role(s)

    As part of the immune system and lymphatic network, the lateral axillary nodes contribute to:

    • Immune surveillance of the upper limb: Detect infections or malignancies early in the hand, forearm, or arm

    • Regulation of interstitial fluid: Prevent fluid accumulation in the upper limb by returning excess fluid to circulation

    • Initiation of immune responses: Help generate both local and systemic immune responses upon encountering antigens in limb tissues

    6. Clinical Significance

    Lymphadenopathy

    Enlarged lateral axillary nodes may be a sign of underlying conditions affecting the upper limb, such as:

    • Bacterial infections: Cellulitis, abscesses, or infected wounds

    • Viral infections: E.g., Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) or cytomegalovirus (CMV)

    • Systemic inflammatory conditions: Such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus

    Enlargement is usually tender and mobile in infections, whereas malignant involvement presents as firm, non-tender, and possibly fixed nodes.

    Breast Cancer Staging

    Although the lateral axillary nodes primarily drain the upper limb, they may also be involved in breast cancer metastasis, particularly if tumor cells access collateral pathways. Their involvement may influence:

    • Cancer staging (N-staging)

    • Extent of axillary lymph node dissection

    • Prognosis and need for adjuvant therapy

    Surgical Considerations

    During axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) or sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer, lateral axillary nodes may be sampled or removed. Surgical care must be taken to preserve nearby structures such as:

    • The long thoracic nerve (risk of winged scapula)

    • The axillary vein

    • The intercostobrachial nerve (to avoid sensory loss)

    Lymphedema

    Disruption or removal of lateral axillary lymph nodes—especially in cancer surgeries—can impair lymphatic drainage from the arm, resulting in upper limb lymphedema. This condition may be chronic and difficult to manage, requiring:

    • Compression therapy

    • Manual lymphatic drainage

    • Exercise and physical therapy

    Diagnostic Tools

    Evaluation of lateral axillary nodes may include:

    • Physical examination: Palpation for tenderness, size, mobility, and symmetry

    • Ultrasound: Commonly used to assess lymph node characteristics

    • Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): For cytological analysis in suspected malignancy

    • Sentinel lymph node mapping: In breast cancer to determine the spread

    Did you know? Lymph fluid moves only in one direction, traveling from the tissues to the lymph nodes and then back into the bloodstream.