Thoracic Lymph Nodes

Description

The thoracic lymph nodes are generally the lymph nodes that drain the thoracic wall and viscera. The lymph nodes may be divided into parietal and visceral groups. The parietal nodes are located within the thoracic wall and on the superior surface of the respiratory diaphragm and include:

—superior diaphragmatic lymph nodes;

—parasternal lymph nodes;

—intercostal lymph nodes;

—prevertebral lymph nodes;

—prepericardial lymph nodes;

—lateral pericardial lymph nodes.

The visceral nodes drain the organs of the thorax. This group includes:

—intrapulmonary lymph nodes;

—bronchopulmonary lymph nodes;

—tracheobronchial lymph nodes;

—paratracheal lymph nodes.

The efferent vessels of these lymph nodes, in general, unite to form trunks, such as the bronchomediastinal trunk, which returns lymph to the venous system usually via the right lymphatic or thoracic ducts.