Do you know the various lymph node locations in your body? This post explores the distribution of lymph nodes in the human body, including those that lie in the head, ear, neck, chest, back, and stomach. Are lymph nodes also found in the arms and legs? Read on to find out why you might have either experienced pain or even developed a painful lump in your armpit or groin. The pictures and diagrams factored into the post will certainly help you understand better the locations and significanceof the lymph nodes in your body.
What Are Lymph Nodes and What Are Their Functions?
Although this post is intended to discuss the location of lymph nodes in humans, it is worthwhile to begin with a short account on what lymph nodes are and their significance in the body. Lymph nodes are small kidney-like oval organs that are part of the lymphatic system. They store a certain type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. The main function of lymph nodes is to help fight germs, infections and any other foreign substances that may get into the body. Consequently, they are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system, where they act as antigen filters.
The lymph fl
The axillary lymph nodes, also known commonly as axillary nodes, are a group of lymph nodes in the axilla that receive lymph from vessels that drain the arm, the walls of the thorax, the breast and the upper walls of the abdomen.
Gross anatomy
There are five axillary lymph node groups, namely the lateral (humeral), anterior (pectoral), posterior (subscapular), central and apical nodes. The apical nodes are the final common pathway for all of the axillary lymph nodes.
Lateral (humeral) lymph nodes
location: posteromedial to axillary vein
receives: lymph from most of the upper limb
drains into: central, apical and deep cervical nodes
Anterior (pectoral) lymph nodes
location: inferior border of pectoralis minor, near lateral thoracic vessels
receives: lymph from skin and muscles of the supraumbilical anterolateral body wall, breast
drains into: central and apical nodes
Posterior (subscapular) lymph nodes
location: along subscapular vessels on inferior margin of the posterior axillary wall
receives: lymph from skin and muscles of the posterior and inferior body wall
drains into: central and apical nodes
Central lymph nodes
What causes swollen lymph nodes in the armpit?
Below are some commonly asked questions about swollen lymph nodes in the armpit.
When should someone worry about swollen lymph nodes in the armpit?
Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit accompanied by fever, fatigue, weight loss, sweating, and difficulty breathing can point to lymphoma cancer. If a person has these symptoms, they should talk with a doctor.
What does a cancerous lymph node in the armpit feel like?
According to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a cancerous lymph node will usually feel rock hard and change from being shaped like a lima bean to resembling a marble.
Can deodorant cause swollen lymph nodes?
People may experience inflammation and swelling in the lymph nodes if they are allergic to their deodorant. Other symptoms of allergy may include irritation, a rash, and itching.
Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit can be a sign of common viral infections, such as the flu or mono. They can also occur as a result of a bacterial infection or RA. In some cases, swollen lymph nodes are a symptom of cancer.
Warm compresses and OTC pain medication can ease any pain or tenderness. However, a person sho
The Axillary Nodes
Click to View Larger Image
The axillary nodes are a group of lymph nodes located in the axillary (or armpit) region of the body. They perform the vital function of filtration and conduction of lymph from the upper limbs, pectoral region, and upper back.
The axillary lymph nodes are a group of twenty to thirty large lymph nodes located in the deep tissues in and around the armpit. These nodes are arranged into five distinct groups: pectoral (anterior), lateral, subscapular (posterior), central (intermediate), and subclavicular (medial). Each group of lymph nodes receives lymph from a specific region of the body or from another group of lymph nodes.
- The pectoral group consists of four or five large lymph nodes located at the superior border of the pectoralis major muscle. These lymph nodes receive lymph from afferent lymphatic vessels in the mammary and pectoral regions of the chest. Efferent lymphatic vessels from this group carry lymph to the central lymph nodes.
- Bordering the lateral edge of the pectoral group is the lateral group. The lateral group consists of four to six lymph nodes clustered around the axillary vein. Lymph from lymph vessels i
Biographies you may also like
Calvin coolidge life biography of gabriela Calvin Coolidge (born John Calvin Coolidge Jr.; July 4, – January 5, ) was the 30th president of the United States between and He was a conservative who supported Missing: gabriela.
Biography alex gaskarth girlfriend lisa Alex Gaskarth personal life. Alex made the headlines in April after marrying Lisa Noel Ruocco, an event planner. The two had dated for nearly a decade before tying the .
Resumen de carlos paez vilaro biography Carlos Páez Vilaró (Montevideo, 1 de noviembre de - Punta Ballena, 24 de febrero de ) fue un pintor, ceramista, escultor, muralista, director, [1] escritor, compositor y constructor .
Ruy senderos biography template To inspire your own bio-writing efforts, we‘ve curated over 25 of the most engaging real-life examples from across industries, roles and seniority levels. These range Missing: ruy senderos.
Caralyn buehner biography of rory gilmore Once upon a time in a little town called Stars Hollow, there lived a young, bright teenager named Rory Gilmore, who had the world at her feet. This golden girl was destined for Missing: caralyn buehner.
Heinrich hertz biography breve Born on February 22, , in Hamburg, Germany, Heinrich Rudolf Hertz was the son of a successful lawyer. From a young age, Hertz exhibited a remarkable aptitude for learning and a Missing: breve.
What causes swollen lymph nodes in the armpit?
Below are some commonly asked questions about swollen lymph nodes in the armpit.
When should someone worry about swollen lymph nodes in the armpit?
Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit accompanied by fever, fatigue, weight loss, sweating, and difficulty breathing can point to lymphoma cancer. If a person has these symptoms, they should talk with a doctor.
What does a cancerous lymph node in the armpit feel like?
According to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a cancerous lymph node will usually feel rock hard and change from being shaped like a lima bean to resembling a marble.
Can deodorant cause swollen lymph nodes?
People may experience inflammation and swelling in the lymph nodes if they are allergic to their deodorant. Other symptoms of allergy may include irritation, a rash, and itching.
Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit can be a sign of common viral infections, such as the flu or mono. They can also occur as a result of a bacterial infection or RA. In some cases, swollen lymph nodes are a symptom of cancer.
Warm compresses and OTC pain medication can ease any pain or tenderness. However, a person sho
The Axillary Nodes
Click to View Larger Image
The axillary nodes are a group of lymph nodes located in the axillary (or armpit) region of the body. They perform the vital function of filtration and conduction of lymph from the upper limbs, pectoral region, and upper back.
The axillary lymph nodes are a group of twenty to thirty large lymph nodes located in the deep tissues in and around the armpit. These nodes are arranged into five distinct groups: pectoral (anterior), lateral, subscapular (posterior), central (intermediate), and subclavicular (medial). Each group of lymph nodes receives lymph from a specific region of the body or from another group of lymph nodes.
- The pectoral group consists of four or five large lymph nodes located at the superior border of the pectoralis major muscle. These lymph nodes receive lymph from afferent lymphatic vessels in the mammary and pectoral regions of the chest. Efferent lymphatic vessels from this group carry lymph to the central lymph nodes.
- Bordering the lateral edge of the pectoral group is the lateral group. The lateral group consists of four to six lymph nodes clustered around the axillary vein. Lymph from lymph vessels i
Biographies you may also like
Calvin coolidge life biography of gabriela Calvin Coolidge (born John Calvin Coolidge Jr.; July 4, – January 5, ) was the 30th president of the United States between and He was a conservative who supported Missing: gabriela.
Biography alex gaskarth girlfriend lisa Alex Gaskarth personal life. Alex made the headlines in April after marrying Lisa Noel Ruocco, an event planner. The two had dated for nearly a decade before tying the .
Resumen de carlos paez vilaro biography Carlos Páez Vilaró (Montevideo, 1 de noviembre de - Punta Ballena, 24 de febrero de ) fue un pintor, ceramista, escultor, muralista, director, [1] escritor, compositor y constructor .
Ruy senderos biography template To inspire your own bio-writing efforts, we‘ve curated over 25 of the most engaging real-life examples from across industries, roles and seniority levels. These range Missing: ruy senderos.
Caralyn buehner biography of rory gilmore Once upon a time in a little town called Stars Hollow, there lived a young, bright teenager named Rory Gilmore, who had the world at her feet. This golden girl was destined for Missing: caralyn buehner.
Heinrich hertz biography breve Born on February 22, , in Hamburg, Germany, Heinrich Rudolf Hertz was the son of a successful lawyer. From a young age, Hertz exhibited a remarkable aptitude for learning and a Missing: breve.