Key points about the lymph nodes of the head, neck and upper limb This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the lymph nodes of the head, neck and arm. Superficial and deep afferent and efferent lymphatic vessels drain lymph to and from these nodes to ultimately reach the subclavian lymphatic trunk. Lymph nodes of the upper limb include the cubital, axillary, infraclavicular and interpectoral lymph nodes. These lymph nodes receive lymphatic drainage from the lymph nodes of the head and drain into either the thoracic duct on the left or the right lymphatic duct. The lymph nodes of the neck are typically organized into superficial and deep nodes which are further classified into anterior and lateral cervical lymph nodes. There are three main groups of lymph nodes within the head: the lingual lymph nodes, facial lymph nodes and a group of lymph nodes which form a ring at the junction between the head and neck known as the pericervical lymphatic circle.

Lymph nodes of the head filter lymph from regions of the head, face and scalp and typically drain to the superficial and deep lymph nodes of the neck. Lymph nodes and vessels of the head, neck and upper limb are generally divided into superficial and deep groups. If required, the concerned physician will prescribe medications based on the current status of the lymph nodes.Lymph nodes of the head, neck and upper limb function to receive, filter and transport lymphatic fluid from surrounding tissues and viscera back into the bloodstream via the thoracic duct, right lymphatic duct and/or subclavian lymphatic trunk. Considering this, analyzing the presence of cancer in the axillary lymph nodes serves as a basic technique to identify the stage of breast cancer. The pathophysiology of breast cancer reveals that the disease spreads from the breast to the lymph nodes located in the armpit. Many a time, biopsy is conducted in order to diagnose a swollen or inflamed lymph node. Significant change in their size can be observed during mild infection like cold and life-threatening condition like cancer. Due to this activity, there is an increase in the production of beta cells which results in swollen, inflamed, painful and sensitive nodes. At the time of infection, in response to the antigen, lymphocytes make antibodies which target the pathogens and destroy them. Lymph nodes contain lymphocytes, which is a type of WBC. Production of AntibodiesĪccording to medical studies, lymph nodes are the major sites for initiation of autoimmune responses. The filtered fluid is collected by the efferent lymphatic vessel, which is then emptied into the cardiovascular system. The foreign particles or the disease causing agents collected in the lymph nodes are then destroyed by the WBCs. These nodes act as filters for disease-causing agents like bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. To be more precise, the afferent lymphatic vessels deliver unfiltered body fluid to the lymph node for filtration. Lymph is drained and collected from the adjoining parts of the lymph nodes.

Where are lymph nodes located