Tracheobronchial lymph nodes

Tracheobronchial lymph nodes are a group of lymph nodes located in the mediastinum, specifically around the trachea and the bronchi. They play a crucial role in the immune system, filtering lymph fluid and trapping foreign particles like bacteria and viruses.

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Illustration of the tracheobronchial lymph nodes in the mediastinum

Anatomy

The tracheobronchial lymph nodes are divided into three groups: paratracheal, pretracheal, and tracheobronchial. The paratracheal nodes are located on either side of the trachea, the pretracheal nodes are located in front of the trachea, and the tracheobronchial nodes are located at the bifurcation of the trachea into the bronchi.

Function

The primary function of the tracheobronchial lymph nodes is to filter lymph fluid that has been collected from the lungs and bronchi. This fluid often contains foreign particles, such as bacteria, viruses, and dust, which are trapped in the nodes and destroyed by white blood cells. This process is a crucial part of the body's immune response.

Clinical Significance

Enlargement of the tracheobronchial lymph nodes, known as lymphadenopathy, can be a sign of various diseases, including lung cancer, tuberculosis, and sarcoidosis. In lung cancer, for example, the spread of cancer cells to the tracheobronchial lymph nodes is a common route of metastasis.

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CT scan showing enlarged tracheobronchial lymph nodes in a patient with lung cancer

See Also

• Lymphatic system
• Lymph node
• Mediastinum