List of lymphatic nodes of the human body

List of Lymphatic Nodes of the Human Body

The lymphatic system is a crucial part of the human body's immune system, consisting of a network of lymphatic vessels that carry a clear fluid called lymph towards the heart. The lymphatic system's primary function is to transport lymph, containing white blood cells and antibodies, to fight infection. Central to this system are the lymph nodes, small, bean-shaped structures that act as filters for harmful substances. They contain immune cells that can help fight infection by attacking and destroying germs that are carried in through the lymph fluid. This article provides a detailed list of the lymphatic nodes of the human body, categorized by region.

Head and Neck

Lymph nodes in the head and neck region are critical in filtering lymph from the scalp, face, and neck. They include:

• Preauricular lymph nodes, located in front of the ears
• Postauricular lymph nodes, found behind the ears
• Occipital lymph nodes, located at the base of the skull
• Tonsillar lymph nodes, situated at the back of the throat
• Submandibular lymph nodes, found under the jaw
• Submental lymph nodes, located under the chin
• Anterior cervical lymph nodes, found along the front of the neck
• Posterior cervical lymph nodes, located along the back of the neck
• Supraclavicular lymph nodes, situated above the collarbone

Axillary

The axillary lymph nodes are located in the armpits. They play a crucial role in filtering lymph from the upper limbs, breast, and upper wall of the abdomen. They are divided into:

• Pectoral (anterior) lymph nodes, which drain the anterior thoracic wall and breast
• Subscapular (posterior) lymph nodes, which drain the posterior thoracic wall and a portion of the arm
• Lateral lymph nodes, which drain the arm
• Central lymph nodes, located at the center of the axilla
• Apical lymph nodes, found at the apex of the axilla

Thoracic

The thoracic lymph nodes are involved in filtering lymph from the thoracic cavity, lungs, and heart. They include:

• Parasternal lymph nodes, located along the edges of the sternum
• Tracheobronchial lymph nodes, found around the trachea and bronchi
• Bronchopulmonary lymph nodes, situated at the hilum of each lung
• Posterior mediastinal lymph nodes, located in the posterior part of the mediastinum

Abdominal and Pelvic

Lymph nodes in the abdominal and pelvic regions filter lymph from the abdominal organs and pelvic organs, respectively. They include:

• Celiac lymph nodes, which drain the stomach, liver, and spleen
• Mesenteric lymph nodes, which drain the intestines
• Para-aortic lymph nodes, located around the abdominal aorta
• Iliac lymph nodes, which include the external, internal, and common iliac lymph nodes, draining the pelvic organs
• Inguinal lymph nodes, found in the groin, which drain the lower limbs, external genitalia, and lower abdominal wall

Upper and Lower Limbs

The lymph nodes of the upper and lower limbs are responsible for draining lymph from the limbs. They include:

• Supratrochlear lymph nodes, located above the elbow, which drain the forearm and hand
• Popliteal lymph nodes, found in the knee's popliteal fossa, which drain the leg and foot

Conclusion

The lymphatic nodes of the human body play a vital role in the immune response by filtering lymph and trapping pathogens, which are then destroyed by lymphocytes. Understanding the location and function of these lymph nodes is crucial for diagnosing and treating various conditions, including infections and cancers.