Pectoral axillary lymph nodes

Pectoral Axillary Lymph Nodes

The pectoral axillary lymph nodes, also known as the anterior axillary lymph nodes, are a group of lymph nodes located in the axilla (armpit) region. They play a crucial role in the immune system by filtering and trapping harmful substances, such as bacteria and cancer cells, that may be present in the lymphatic fluid.

Anatomy

The pectoral axillary lymph nodes are situated in the anterior (front) part of the axilla, between the pectoralis major muscle and the axillary vein. They are divided into two main groups: the pectoral (anterior) and the subscapular (posterior) axillary lymph nodes.

The pectoral axillary lymph nodes receive lymphatic drainage from various regions of the upper body, including the breast, chest wall, and upper arm. They are connected to other lymph nodes in the axillary region, forming a network that facilitates the movement of lymphatic fluid throughout the body.

Function

The primary function of the pectoral axillary lymph nodes is to filter lymphatic fluid and remove foreign particles, such as pathogens and cancer cells. When these nodes encounter harmful substances, they initiate an immune response by activating lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, to destroy the invaders.

Additionally, the pectoral axillary lymph nodes serve as a site for the production of lymphocytes and other immune cells. These cells are essential for mounting an effective immune response against infections and diseases.

Clinical Significance

The pectoral axillary lymph nodes are of significant clinical importance, particularly in the diagnosis and staging of breast cancer. Cancer cells originating from the breast can spread to the axillary lymph nodes through the lymphatic system. Therefore, the presence of cancer cells in these nodes indicates the potential spread of the disease to other parts of the body.

Surgeons often perform a procedure called sentinel lymph node biopsy to assess the involvement of the pectoral axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer. During this procedure, a radioactive tracer or blue dye is injected near the tumor site to identify the sentinel lymph node, which is the first lymph node to receive drainage from the tumor. If cancer cells are detected in the sentinel lymph node, further lymph node dissection may be necessary to determine the extent of the disease.

References

1. American Cancer Society. (2021). Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Breast Cancer. Retrieved from [1]

2. Gray, H. (1918). Anatomy of the Human Body. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger. Retrieved from [2]

3. Standring, S. (Ed.). (2016). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (41st ed.). Elsevier.

See Also

• Axillary Lymph Nodes
• Lymphatic System
• Breast Cancer